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Knowledge and (Ab)Use in Connection with Novel Psychoactive Substances: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Psychedelic Users Existing on Online Platforms

Author

Listed:
  • Mohammed-Lutfi Al-Imam
  • Ahmed Al-Imam

Abstract

BACKGROUND- The prevalence of use and misuse of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been escalating at an exponential rate in the past two decades. Studies on NPS are highly concentrated in relevance to the developed world, while few have been undertaken in the developing countries.MATERIALS & METHODS- This study is observational and cross-sectional in nature; it relies on a web-based survey distributed to a population of (ab)users of psychedelics and NPS; this community was accessible via dedicated online platforms psychedelics users located on the Facebook social communication medium. The aim of the study is to estimate the level of knowledge and the extent of (mis)use in connection with psychoactive substances, including the novel ones (NPS).RESULTS- The number of participants who responded to the survey reached 458 responders. The level of knowledge and (ab)use was relatively high. The majority of participating individuals were Caucasians males from the developed world including the US, the UK, India, and western European countries. The primary religious affiliation was either agnosticism or atheism. Approximately, 26% were diagnosed with the neuropsychiatric condition.CONCLUSION- The NPS phenomenon is still a major concern primarily in the developed world. Additional studies are required in virtual and non-virtual populations. The targeted populations should include; students, medical professionals, academics, patients with psychiatric and neurological abnormalities, convicts and criminals, and even terrorists.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammed-Lutfi Al-Imam & Ahmed Al-Imam, 2017. "Knowledge and (Ab)Use in Connection with Novel Psychoactive Substances: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Psychedelic Users Existing on Online Platforms," Global Journal of Health Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 9(11), pages 1-51, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:gjhsjl:v:9:y:2017:i:11:p:51
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Toohey, Kristine & Beaton, Anthony, 2017. "International cross-sector social partnerships between sport and governments: The World Anti-Doping Agency," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 20(5), pages 483-496.
    2. Best, Paul & Manktelow, Roger & Taylor, Brian, 2014. "Online communication, social media and adolescent wellbeing: A systematic narrative review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 27-36.
    3. Kristine Toohey & Anthony Beaton, 2017. "International cross-sector social partnerships between sport and governments: The World Anti-Doping Agency," Sport Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(5), pages 483-496, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ahmed Al-Imam & Marek A. Motyka & Mahmoud Mishaal & Shireen Mohammad & Nooralhuda Sameer & Hala Dheyaa, 2020. "The Prevalence of Self-Medication With Painkillers Among Iraqi Medical Students," Global Journal of Health Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(7), pages 1-38, June.

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    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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