-
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric... Apr 2021To determine the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) in patients with schizophrenia in a sample from South Africa and compare the clinical and demographic...
PURPOSE
To determine the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) in patients with schizophrenia in a sample from South Africa and compare the clinical and demographic correlates in those with and without co-occurring SUDs.
METHODS
Patients with schizophrenia were interviewed using the Xhosa version SCID-I for DSM-IV. We used logistic regression to determine the predictors of SUDs.
RESULTS
In the total sample of 1420 participants, SUDs occurred in 47.8%, with the most prevalent SUD being cannabis use disorders (39.6%), followed by alcohol (20.5%), methaqualone (6.2%), methamphetamine (4.8%) and other SUDs (cocaine, ecstasy, opioids, 0.6%). Polydrug use occurred in 40%, abuse occurred in 13.5%, and 39.6% had at least one substance dependence diagnosis. Significant predictors of any SUD were younger age (41-55 vs. 21-30: OR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.5-0.9), male sex (OR = 8.6, 95% CI = 5.1-14.6), inpatient status (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3-2.1), post-traumatic stress symptoms (OR = 4.6, 95% CI = 1.6-13.3), legal (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.0-5.5) and economic problems (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-2.0). Methamphetamine use disorders occurred significantly less often in the Eastern compared to the Western Cape provinces. Inpatient status and higher levels of prior admissions were significantly associated with cannabis and methamphetamine use disorders. Post-traumatic stress symptoms were significantly associated with alcohol use disorders. Anxiety disorders were associated with other SUDs.
CONCLUSION
SUDs occurred in almost half of the sample. It is important for clinicians to identify the presence of SUDs as their presence is associated with characteristics, such as male sex, younger age, inpatient status, more prior hospitalisations, legal and economic problems, PTSD symptoms and anxiety.
Topics: Alcoholism; Comorbidity; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Schizophrenia; South Africa; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 32797244
DOI: 10.1007/s00127-020-01942-5 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2020Sensitive real-time detection of vapors produced by the precursors, reagents and solvents used in the illegal drugs manufacture represents a priority nowadays. Acetic...
Sensitive real-time detection of vapors produced by the precursors, reagents and solvents used in the illegal drugs manufacture represents a priority nowadays. Acetic anhydride (AA) is the key chemical used as acetylation agent in producing the illegal drugs heroin and methaqualone. This study was directed towards quick detection and quantification of AA in air, using two fast and very sensitive analytical techniques: photoionization detection (PID) and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Results obtained indicated that both PID and IMS can sense AA at ultra-trace levels in air, but while PID produces a non-selective response, IMS offers richer information. Ion mobility spectrometric response in the positive ion mode presented one product ion, at reduced ion mobility K of 1.89 cm V s (almost overlapped with positive reactant ion peak), while in the negative ion mode two well separated product ions, with K of 1.90 and 1.71 cm V s, were noticed. Our study showed that by using a portable, commercial IMS system (model Mini IMS, I.U.T. GmbH Berlin) AA can be easily measured at concentrations of 0.05 ppm (0.2 mg m) in negative ion mode. Best selectivity and sensitivity of the IMS response were therefore achieved in the negative operation mode.
Topics: Acetic Anhydrides; Biosensing Techniques; Illicit Drugs; Ion Mobility Spectrometry; Reproducibility of Results; Trace Elements
PubMed: 32316669
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081852 -
Evidence-based Complementary and... 2020is a medicinal herb of Leguminosae family. It is distributed in the tropical and humid regions. The plant is traditionally used in the treatment of typhoid, diabetes,... (Review)
Review
is a medicinal herb of Leguminosae family. It is distributed in the tropical and humid regions. The plant is traditionally used in the treatment of typhoid, diabetes, malaria, asthma, ringworms, tinea infections, scabies, blotch, herpes, and eczema. The review is aimed at unveiling the ethnobotanical description and pharmacological activities of Different parts of the plant are reported in folk medicine as therapeutic substances for remediation of diverse diseases and infections. The extracts and isolated compounds displayed pronounced pharmacological activities. Display of antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, dermatophytic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antilipogenic, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antimalarial, anthelmintic, and antiviral activities could be due to the array of secondary metabolites such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, anthraquinone, saponins, phenolics, cannabinoid alkaloids, 1,8-cineole, caryophyllene, limonene, -selinene, -caryophyllene, germacrene D, cinnamic acid, pyrazol-5-ol, methaqualone, isoquinoline, quinones, reducing sugars, steroids, and volatile oils present in different parts of the plant. The review divulges the ethnobotanical and pharmacological activities of the plant and also justifies the ethnomedical claims. The significant medicinal value of this plant necessitates a scientific adventure into the bioactive metabolites which constitute various extracts.
PubMed: 32148534
DOI: 10.1155/2020/2580259 -
ACS Omega May 2019A transition-metal-free synthesis of quinazolin-4-ones by CsCO-promoted SAr reaction of -fluorobenzamides with amides followed by cyclization in dimethyl sulfoxide has...
A transition-metal-free synthesis of quinazolin-4-ones by CsCO-promoted SAr reaction of -fluorobenzamides with amides followed by cyclization in dimethyl sulfoxide has been developed. The present procedure can provide efficient synthetic methods for the formation of both 2-substituted and 2,3-disubstituted quinazolin-4-one rings depending on the use of easily available starting materials and an efficient, one-pot protocol for the synthesis of the marketed drug product of methaqualone.
PubMed: 31459909
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00699 -
BMJ Open Feb 2019Sexual and physical trauma and substance use are intersecting risks for HIV among young women. This study assesses the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects...
OBJECTIVES
Sexual and physical trauma and substance use are intersecting risks for HIV among young women. This study assesses the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of a novel trauma-informed substance use and sexual risk reduction intervention for young South African women.
DESIGN
A single arm feasibility test and qualitative interviews of participants.
PARTICIPANTS
Sixty women, between 18 and 25 years of age, who reported trauma exposure, substance use and recent condom-less sex were recruited. Twenty participants were randomly selected for qualitative interviews.
INTERVENTION
A six-session group-based intervention.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
We examined the proportion of women who provided consent, completed counselling and were retained in the study. Qualitative interviews explored intervention acceptability. Preliminary effects of the intervention on substance use, mental health (depression, psychological distress and trauma symptoms) and sexual risk outcomes (STI symptoms, number of partners and condomless sex) were explored.
RESULTS
Of the 66 eligible women, 91% were enrolled. Intervention completion rates were low; 35% attended all sessions. On average, participants attended four sessions (M=3.8, SD=1.3). A 93% follow-up rate was achieved at the 3-month endpoint. In this single group design, reductions in the proportion of participants who tested positive for methamphetamine, cannabis and methaqualone were observed at the 3-month endpoint. Symptoms of depression, psychological distress and trauma; number of STI symptoms; and number of sexual partners also decreased. Outcomes were similar for participants who completed up to four and those who completed five or more sessions. Participants thought the intervention was highly beneficial and proposed modifications to enhance acceptability.
CONCLUSIONS
This novel intervention seems acceptable and holds potential benefits for trauma-exposed women who use substances. Truncating the intervention may enhance the likelihood of its implementation. The efficacy of the intervention for improving substance use, sexual risk and mental health outcomes requires testing in a controlled design.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Counseling; Feasibility Studies; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Mental Health; Patient Education as Topic; Psychological Trauma; Qualitative Research; Risk Reduction Behavior; South Africa; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Substance-Related Disorders; Unsafe Sex; Young Adult
PubMed: 30782918
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024776 -
The South African Journal of Psychiatry... 2016Substance use and psychiatric disorders cause significant burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. Co-morbid psychopathology and longer duration of...
BACKGROUND
Substance use and psychiatric disorders cause significant burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. Co-morbid psychopathology and longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) can negatively affect treatment outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
The study assessed substance use amongst adults with severe mental illness receiving services at a regional psychiatric hospital in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). We describe the prevalence and correlates of lifetime substance use and examine the association between substance use and DUP.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey recruited adults diagnosed with severe mental illness and assessed lifetime and past 3-month substance use using the World Health Organization Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test. Regression analyses were conducted to determine associations between lifetime substance use (other than alcohol and tobacco) and DUP as measured by the World Health Organization Encounter Form.
RESULTS
Amongst 87 participants, alcohol (81.6%), tobacco (75.6%) and cannabis (49.4%) were the most common substances reported for lifetime use. Risk of health-related problems (health, social, financial, legal and relationship) of cannabis use was associated with younger age, single marital status and lower education. Adjusted regression analyses indicated that use of amphetamines and methaqualone is associated with longer DUP.
CONCLUSIONS
Substance use is prevalent amongst psychiatric patients in KwaZulu-Natal and may contribute to longer DUP. Mental health services in this region should address co-morbid substance use and psychiatric disorders.
PubMed: 27307782
DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v22i1.852 -
International Health Mar 2016This study was designed to identify the extent to which self-reported Mandrax use impacts condom-use beliefs amongst South African prison inmates.
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to identify the extent to which self-reported Mandrax use impacts condom-use beliefs amongst South African prison inmates.
METHODS
Participants were inmates from four prisons in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. In total, 357 inmates participated in the parent study of which 121 are included in this analysis based on their self-reported use of Mandrax. The questionnaire was developed in English, translated into Zulu, and back translated into English. Age significantly predicted the use of Mandrax: younger prison inmates reported higher use. Linear regression analysis was conducted to determine whether the use of Mandrax was associated with length of incarceration and other demographic variables, as well as participants' self-reported condom use beliefs behavior.
RESULTS
Regression results indicated that two factors operationalizing condom-use beliefs were impacted by Mandrax use: 1) it is important to use condoms every time you have sex (p<0.01); 2) condoms work well to prevent the spread of HIV (p<0.02). Both factors were also inversely related to Mandrax use.
CONCLUSION
STI prevention programs among prison inmates that seek to promote safer sex behaviors among men must address attitudes to condom use, specifically consistent and correct use of latex condoms and reducing substance misuse.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Condoms; Diphenhydramine; Drug Combinations; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Methaqualone; Prisoners; Prisons; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Substance-Related Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 26316220
DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihv048 -
Molecular Pharmacology Aug 2015In the present study, we have elucidated the functional characteristics and mechanism of action of methaqualone (2-methyl-3-o-tolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone, Quaalude), an...
In the present study, we have elucidated the functional characteristics and mechanism of action of methaqualone (2-methyl-3-o-tolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone, Quaalude), an infamous sedative-hypnotic and recreational drug from the 1960s-1970s. Methaqualone was demonstrated to be a positive allosteric modulator at human α1,2,3,5β2,3γ2S GABAA receptors (GABAARs) expressed in Xenopus oocytes, whereas it displayed highly diverse functionalities at the α4,6β1,2,3δ GABAAR subtypes, ranging from inactivity (α4β1δ), through negative (α6β1δ) or positive allosteric modulation (α4β2δ, α6β2,3δ), to superagonism (α4β3δ). Methaqualone did not interact with the benzodiazepine, barbiturate, or neurosteroid binding sites in the GABAAR. Instead, the compound is proposed to act through the transmembrane β((+))/α((-)) subunit interface of the receptor, possibly targeting a site overlapping with that of the general anesthetic etomidate. The negligible activities displayed by methaqualone at numerous neurotransmitter receptors and transporters in an elaborate screening for additional putative central nervous system (CNS) targets suggest that it is a selective GABAAR modulator. The mode of action of methaqualone was further investigated in multichannel recordings from primary frontal cortex networks, where the overall activity changes induced by the compound at 1-100 μM concentrations were quite similar to those mediated by other CNS depressants. Finally, the free methaqualone concentrations in the mouse brain arising from doses producing significant in vivo effects in assays for locomotion and anticonvulsant activity correlated fairly well with its potencies as a modulator at the recombinant GABAARs. Hence, we propose that the multifaceted functional properties exhibited by methaqualone at GABAARs give rise to its effects as a therapeutic and recreational drug.
Topics: Animals; Binding Sites; Brain; Humans; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Illicit Drugs; Locomotion; Male; Methaqualone; Mice; Mutation; Receptors, GABA-A; Xenopus
PubMed: 26056160
DOI: 10.1124/mol.115.099291