Prevalence of substance use disorders in Punjab: Findings from National Mental Health Survey

Background & objectives: Substance use disorders are a major public health concern in Punjab. However, reliable estimates of prevalence of substance use disorders are not available for the State. The present study reports estimates of prevalence of substance use disorders in Punjab, conducted as part of National Mental Health Survey, India. Methods: Using multistage stratified random cluster sampling, 2895 individuals from 719 households of 60 clusters (from 4 districts of Punjab) were interviewed. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Fagerstrom nicotine dependence scale were used to assess substance use disorders. Results: The sample comprised almost equal numbers of males and females. Nearly 80 per cent had less than or equal to high school education, and 70 per cent were married. The weighted prevalence of alcohol and other substance use disorders was 7.9 and 2.48 per cent, respectively. The prevalence of tobacco dependence was 5.5 per cent; 35 per cent households had one person with substance use disorder. The prevalence was highest in the productive age group (30-39 yr), urban metro and less educated persons. The prevalence of alcohol and other substance use disorders was much higher in Punjab as compared to other States where survey was done. Tobacco dependence was lowest in Punjab. Majority (87%) of the persons with substance use disorders did not suffer from any other mental disorder. Treatment gap was 80 per cent. Interpretation & conclusions: Punjab has a high burden of substance use disorders. The estimates will help clinicians and policymakers to plan the strategies against the menace of substance use disorders effectively.

Prevalencia, incidencia y brecha terapéutica en la epilepsia / Prevalence, incidence and treatment gap in epilepsy

Se revisa la epidemiología de la epilepsia haciendo énfasis en las definiciones y clasificaciones propuestas por la Liga Internacional contra la Epilepsia. Se estudian las cifras de prevalencia e incidencia tanto de países desarrollados como en desarrollo. Se ilustra sobre el concepto de brecha terapéutica y sus causas.

The epidemiology of epilepsy is reviewed, emphasizing on the definitions and classifications proposed by the International League against Epilepsy. The figures of prevalence and incidence in developed and developing countries are analyzed. The concept of treatment gap and its causes are reviewed.