Patterns of substance use in male incarcerated drug users in Sri Lanka

摘要: Introduction and Aims. The number of illicit drug users incarcerated in Sri Lanka has been growing over the last decade. This paper presents drug-use characteristics risk-taking behaviours among a group male users. Design Methods. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was completed by 278 three prisons Lanka. Results. majority (81.3%) interviewees were aged 25-45 years. Most them had received low levels education, experienced childhood delinquency deprived upbringing. Drug use largely initiated during early adolescence, then continued to chronicity development dependence. There high incidence (25-35%) family history abuse. Heroin (98%) cannabis (54%) main drugs abuse past 30 days. Polydrug common (75% 12 months). Tobacco alcohol widespread. prevalence intravenous higher than officially reported (15.8% vs. 1%). (53%) sexual behaviour. Discussion Conclusion. pattern similar those nearby countries. However, increasing injecting behaviour is concern. an urgent need develop effective treatment strategies prevent spread HIV hepatitis [Dissabandara LO, Dias SR, Dodd PR, Stadlin A. Patterns substance Alcohol Rev 2009].