Quality of Life of Adults with Substance Use Disorders in Rehabilitation Centers of Twin Cities of Pakistan

Abstract

The prevalence of substance use disorders is increasing day-by-day globally and specifically in Pakistan. As the prevalence is increasing, the mental health and quality of life of the substance users is also being affected. This study aimed to investigate the quality of life and psychological distress among adults with substance use disorders who were admitted in drug rehabilitation centers for at least one month in twin cities of Pakistan. A quantitative research method was employed, 300 men starting from age 19 years and onwards diagnosed with SUDs were recruited using purposive sampling technique for the study. Urdu indigenously developed QOL questionnaire was used to assess general quality of life, the Urdu translated version of DAST-20 was used to assess substance dependence and Urdu translated version of DASS-21 was administered to assess psychological distress among individuals with SUD. The results indicated significantly strong positive correlation between substance dependence and depression (r=.26**), substance dependence and stress (r=.19**) and substance dependence and overall psychological distress (r=.21**), whereas weak positive correlation between substance dependence and anxiety (r=.12*). The quality of life of the participants is significantly negatively correlated with substance dependence (r=-.21**) and overall psychological distress (-.57**). Poly-substance users scored high on DASS-21 (M=46.9, SD=4.86) and low on QOL questionnaire (M=34.4, SD=5.71) as compared to single substance users. Substance use is associated with high psychological distress and poor quality of life. Poly-substance users have poor quality of life and high psychological distress as compared to single substance users. These findings provide insights to develop targeted interventions and support systems for affected individuals especially poly-substance users.