ADMISSION PATTERN AND OTHER ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF PATIENTS WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER ADMITTED IN ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL MILLENNIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE FROM (MAY 2008- MAY 2019 G. C) A RETROSPECTIVE CHART REVIEW

Abstract

Abstract Background: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a growing public health concern in Ethiopia, particularly among youth. Despite its increasing prevalence, there is limited data on admission patterns, sociodemographic characteristics, and associated factors among patients seeking treatment in addiction units.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the admission patterns, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and associated factors of patients admitted to the addiction unit of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) from May 2008 to May 2019.

Methods: A hospital-based retrospective chart review was conducted using 157 systematically sampled patient records. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlations.

Results:Sociodemographic Profile: Most patients were male (100%, as the unit only served males), aged 21–40 years (56.2%), unemployed (57.3%), single (70.7%), and residents of Addis Ababa (84.1%). The majority had completed high school (32.5%) or preparatory education (19.7%).

Substance Use Patterns: Poly-substance use was prevalent (64.3%). Alcohol (88.5%), nicotine (70.7%), and khat (64.3%) were the most commonly abused substances. Cannabis (26.1%) and opioids (7.0%) were less common.

Clinical Characteristics: The mean duration of substance use was 12.89 years. Major depression (20.4%) and psychotic disorders (9.6%) were common comorbidities. Most patients (63.7%) self-referred for treatment.

Associations: Age, education, occupation, and marital status were significantly associated with specific substance use. Poly-substance use correlated strongly with alcohol, nicotine, and khat use. No significant associations were found between family history of SUD or mental illness and substance use.

Conclusion: SUD admissions at SPHMMC are characterized by high rates of poly-substance use, unemployment, and youth involvement. The findings underscore the need for expanded addiction treatment services, improved documentation, and targeted public health interventions to address the growing burden of SUD in Ethiopia.