Associated Factors of Illegal Drung Abuse and Dependence Behaviors among Defenders under Compulsory Drug Treatment System

Abstract

Objectives :

To examine association between selected factors, and drug abuse and dependence behaviors among defenders under the compulsory drug treatment system.

Method :

A descriptive retrospective study was conducted. Data came from the folder records of 319 offenders’ illicit drug using in the 2008-2009 fiscal year of the probation department. This process has conducted according to Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act B.E. 2545 (2002). Data was randomly selected from 9 of 15 probation offices. Eleven factors from a socio-demographic interviewing questionnaire were chosen to be independent variables. Meanwhile, an illegal drug use behavior was chosen to be a dependent variable. Three hundred and nineteen offenders’ reports were randomly selected to analyze using binary logistic regression.

Results :

Patient’s record of drug abuse was the most statistically significant factors associated with drug abuse and dependence behaviors (OR, 12.6; 95% CI, 1.62-98.33). Following four consecutive factors were statistically significant associated with drug abuse and dependence behaviors including drug seller (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.56-9.56), criminal record (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.87-5.91), dwelling in drug community (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.32-4.17), and peer influence (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.02-3.19).

Conclusion :

Effective treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of illegal drug abuse and dependence should consider following factors: patient’s record of drug abuse, drug seller, criminal record, dwelling in drug community and peer influence.