Amphetamine-Type Stimulants in a Group of Adults in Tehran, Iran: A Rapid Situation Assessment in Twenty-Two Districts

Background: Dependence on amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) is a health concern in Iran (i.e. the most populated Persian Gulf country). However, there are no literature reports on ATS dependence in the community. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ATS-dependence, the reasons associated with this problem and the treatment barriers among a group of adults in 22 districts of Tehran. Materials and Methods: A rapid situation assessment was conducted. A mixed quantitative-qualitative methodology was applied. The study was conducted between September 2009 and January 2010. A researcher-made checklist was designed to collect data. The SPSS version 23 and Atlas-ti qualitative software were used for data analyses. Results: In total, 6027 individuals were randomly recruited and interviewed. Among them, 261 participants were ATS-dependent. A desire to increase performance and reduce psychiatric problems, beauty-related issues and a desire to stop opiate use were the main reasons for the illegal use of ATS. Poor knowledge of ATS treatment services in the community, poor knowledge of the side effects of the illegal use of ATS and stigma were the main current treatment barriers. Amphetamine-Type Stimulants dependence was associated with unemployment (adjusted or = 3.1 CI 95% 1.0 - 4.6), lack of leisure activities (OR = 2.9 CI 95% 1.0 - 5.3), curiosity (OR = 3.2 CI 95% 2.1 - 5.6) and increasing sexual performance (OR = 2.6 CI 95% 2.3 - 5.4). Conclusions: The study results indicated that ATS-dependence was present among the study participants. This issue necessitates treatment, which should be considered by health policy makers. Prevention programs should be provided on the large scale in the Persian community to prevent ATS use and dependence.