Prevalence and co-occurrence of substance use in mental health patients at Lewanika general hospital.

Introduction: The prevalence of substance use among mentally ill patients across the world has been varying. In 2019 it was reported by the United Nations (UN) that an estimated 271 million people around the world aged between 15 and 64 used substances, which was 11.5% higher than the reported figure in 2012. The prevalence rates remain high and worrying. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of substance use among patients with mental illness admitted to Lewanika General Hospital in Mongu, Zambia. Methods: 523 records of patients diagnosed with mental illness between 1st of January 2017 and 31st of December, 2021 were retrieved from Lewanika General Hospital (n=523). A logistic Regression model was fitted to determine associated factors of substance use. A cross-sectional study design was used in the study. Stata version 14.2 was used. Results: The results in the study found a proportion of females (167/523) and males (356/523) that were admitted to Lewanika General Hospital. The median age in the study was 30 (IQR, 24 – 40) years. Additionally, majority of the patients had secondary school level education (58.94%) and were unemployed (56.90%). Of these cases 78.55% (315/401) were not married and 21.45% (86/401) were married. From the records, 33.77% (102/302) reached up to primary, whereas 58.94% and 7.28% reached secondary and tertiary respectively. 56.90% of the patients were unemployed. The findings in the study also show that 57.21% had family history of mental illness. 33.7% reported to have a medical condition and these where STIs (17.55%), Epilepsy (4.7%) and HIV (29.58%). The study also reported patients receiving treatment as 22.88%. Age, occupation, on treatment and family history were associated with substance use among patients with mental illness (P<0.05). Conclusion: The study reported a prevalence of substance use among patients with mental illness at 54.5%. Age, occupation, on treatment and family history were associated with substance use among patients with mental illness