NRC Research Studies, Day 1, Track 2, 11:00 - 12:30 | International Consortium for Alternatives to Incarceration

Evaluation of: Overview Training on the Universal Prevention Curriculum for Substance Use (UPC) for Senior Managers and Trainers - Ms. Mariam Al Hadhrami
A cross-sectional study of smoking patterns of patients in treatment at the National Rehabilitation Center Abu Dhabi - Dr. Samya Al Memari
Behavioural Addictions Among Clinic Attenders in the UAE: An Exploratory Study - Dr. Shamil Wanigaratne
Preliminary Results of the WHO funded study of Health Consequences of Drug Use: Demographic Profile and Predictors of Substance Use Disorders in a Clinical Population in the UAE - Dr. Shamil Wanigaratne

Abstracts:

Evaluation of: Overview Training on the Universal Prevention Curriculum for Substance Use (UPC) for Senior Managers and Trainers - Ms. Mariam Al Hadhrami

In May 2021, The NRC conducted an overview training on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for senior managers and trainers. The UPC training aimed to provide participants with the basic knowledge on the different UPC topics and modules to help future implementation of substance use prevention programs, particularly to identify appropriate individuals to train in the key modules. The aim of this evaluation was to assess the progress and impact of the UPC overview training; while also identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation, as perceived by the participants. The evaluation also included participants from different countries in various specialties. Upon gaining ethical approval, participants were contacted to schedule one-on-one Interviews via an online platform. Data collection and analysis revealed common themes that emerged amongst the participants. These included, the importance of designing culturally appropriate family-based interventions and the need to create multidisciplinary teams in substance use prevention. Such an approach would help in both utilizing the existing knowledge of these professionals along with providing them with the applicable training targeting the intended levels of prevention. Participants also shared their thoughts on how to better conduct future training programs and what challenges they faced in the training. Significant findings from this evaluation will be presented.

A cross-sectional study of smoking patterns of patients in treatment at the National Rehabilitation Center Abu Dhabi - Dr. Samya Al Memari

Objectives

To investigate smoking patterns among a clinical population receiving treatment at a specialized facility (NRC).
To gather data about specific Tobacco products (Midwakh and Shisha) and their use.
To study patient’s health knowledge and perceptions about the harms of Smoking.

Rationale

A previous study at the NRC found out that 98% of patients at the NRC smoke Tobacco. Due to such a high prevalence, this study aims to investigate the patterns, attitudes and health related knowledge of tobacco smoking among the clinical population.

Methodology

A survey questionnaire was developed based on the WHO Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) alongside an Arabic version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS).

Data were collected from 56 patients who volunteers to participate in the study.

Results

Preliminary analysis of the data will be presented with implications for intervention both in terms of prevention and treatment.

Behavioural Addictions Among Clinic Attenders in the UAE: An Exploratory Study - Dr. Shamil Wanigaratne

Objectives:

To obtain a cross-sectional picture of behavioural addictions seen in patients seeking help for psychological problems.
To obtain a cross-sectional picture of the types of behavioural addictions that people seek help for in the UAE.
To measure the perceived impact of Covid-19 on behavioral addictions seen in mental health services in the UAE.

Rationale:

To obtain a picture of what types of behavioral disorders, particularly internet related disorders are seen in clinics providing mental health services in the UAE. Also to assess whether Covid-19 pandemic had any impact on perceived incidence.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional survey methodology will be used in the study.

Results

Preliminary results and analysis will be presented. Implications of the findings and directions for future research will be suggested.

Preliminary Results of the WHO funded study of Health Consequences of Drug Use: Demographic Profile and Predictors of Substance Use Disorders in a Clinical Population in the UAE - Dr. Shamil Wanigaratne

Objectives

To examine the nature and extent of morbidity associated with substance use
To explore the impact of treatment of substance use disorder on the individual’s global health status.

Rationale

Substance use disorder (SUD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Co-occurring mental health disorders occur in over 50% of this population. In contrast, the prevalence of blood borne infections Hepatitis C was, estimated to be 50.9% and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was 12.7% (UNODC, 2019). Demographic profiles, particularly of substance users, differ from country to country and from region to region hence it is important to study morbidity in relation to a particular profile.

Method

As part of a WHO funded study into physical correlates of substance use, the clinical records contained in the Patient Information System of the was interrogated using a template to extract the relevant data.

Results

Majority were polydrug users. Heroin was the most used primary drug followed by prescription drugs and alcohol. The relationship between the substances of abuse with morbidity will be analysed in the next phase of the study.

Implications of the current findings and lessons learnt so far in conducting the study will be presented.