Prevalence and factors associated with methamphetamine use among adult substance abusers

The use of methamphetamine and other drugs among young adults has been a theme of growing interest and concern on the part of researchers and health associations. This paper reports recent use of methamphetamine and its relation with some demographic variables among substance users in west of Iran. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 559 substance users of Hamadan, western Iran recruited through a snowball sampling method in 2012. The participants received a self-administered questionnaire contained questions regarding substance use, reasons of drug abuse and pattern of MA use. Data were analyzed using SPSS software using Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression methods. A number of 248 [44.4%] people reported a history of having ever used methamphetamine and the mean drug abuse initiation age was 17.8 [SD= 3.9]. According to the history, reducing effect of previous drug and resurfacing of new drug were common reasons associated with the changes in previous drug to use of methamphetamine. In multivariate analysis, 'being single' and higher school were obtained as independent predictors of methamphetamine use [P<0.001]. Methamphetamine use is common among adult substance abusers in Iran. Demographic, behavioral and psychosocial correlates of methamphetamine use identified in this research may be helpful for the development of preventive interventions

Cognitive processes and functions in patients with type 2 diabetes in comparison to pre-diabetic patients

Type 2 diabetes is an important risk factor for cognitive decline in diabetic patients. The main goal of this study was the assessment of memory, attention and visuospatial ability dysfunctions in patients with type 2 diabetes in comparison to pre-diabetic patients and normal subjects in Endocrine and Metabolism Center of Isfahan City from April 2011 to July 2011. The sample comprised of 32 patients with type 2 diabetes, 28 pre-diabetic patients and 30 healthy individuals. Memory, attention and visuospatial ability were assessed by Rey Complex Figure Test [RCFT], Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test [PASAT] and sub tests of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised [WAIS-R]. The pair wise comparisons of cognitive functions among three groups, suggesting a significant difference between diabetic and normal groups in PASAT3². PASAT2[2], RCFT [recall trial] and Symbol coding [P=0.003, P=0.009, P=0.010, and P<0.001, respectively]. But there was no difference in copy trial of RCFT and block design between two groups [P=0.170, P=0.490]. There was significant difference between pre-diabetic group and normal group in recall trial of RCFT [P=0.020], as well as significant difference between diabetes type 2 and pre-diabetic group in symbol coding [P=0.001]. There were significant differences in cognitive functions in patient with type2 diabetes, pre-diabetic patients and normal individuals. Thus monitoring neuropsychological status besides controlling levels of blood sugar in these patients is important

Effectiveness of coping skills education program to reduce craving beliefs among addicts referred to addiction centers in Hamadan: a randomized controlled trial

One of the most important factors affecting relapse of addiction is craving beliefs of substance use. The goal of the present study was assessment of the effectiveness of coping skills education program to reduce craving beliefs among opium addicts. In a randomized controlled trial, during September 2011 to August 2012, 70 opium addicted men referred to the Behavioral Disorders and Substance Abuse Research Center in Hamadan, western Iran were assigned to intervention group [receiving coping skills education program] and control groups. The study information was analyzed using SPSS software. Regarding craving beliefs for continuing drug use, the two groups had similar scales at the beginning of interventional program, while the level of these beliefs was significantly reduced in the intervention group [P = 0.002], but not in the control group [P = 0.105]. Also, a significant correlation was also revealed between taking advantage of the educational program and increase awareness of the signs of relapse in the intervention group [P = 0.003] that was not revealed in the control [P = 0.174]. On the other hand, executing coping skills education program led to reduce craving beliefs and improve knowledge towards signs of relapse. Our findings demonstrate positive impact of coping skills education program after detoxification process on decrease of craving beliefs among opium addicts