Risk factors of polysubstance use disorder and efficacy of harm reduction among adults in street situations in selected cities in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the risk factors and associated consequences of polysubstance drug use disorders among adults in street situations in selected cities in Nigeria and knowledge of psychological intervention of harm reduction among them. There is a dearth of empirical studies among this population as results of previous studies concentrated on inpatient and outpatient populations that are easily accessible to researchers and clinicians, therefore, exploring the lived experience of polysubstance use and knowledge of harm reduction among this population. Direct Field Observation, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and Indepth Interview (IDI) were used to elicit information from male and female participants aged 25 to 65 years with over 10 years active use of polysubstance drugs. The Global Assessment of Relational Functioning (GARF) Scale was used to measure the overall level of functioning on problem-solving, organisation, and emotional climate. Heavy use of drugs among this population stimulated different behaviours such as intoxication and harm, risky sexual behavior, morbidity and mortality, and increased loss or unstable source of livelihood. Extensive use of different drugs simultaneously and concurrently over a long period of years increased the difficulty of seeking treatment and health-compromisingtibehaviors. This also has great implications for harm reduction and policy that could integrate adults in street situations into treatment modalities.