GENDER CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH DRUG ADDICTION

Abstract

Introduction. Since drug addiction (DA) is a multifactorial phenomenon, analyzing and characterizing its prevalence by gender has significant scientific and practical importance.

Objective. To improve medical-preventive and social assistance based on the assessment of the gender composition of patients registered for dispensary observation.

Materials and Methods. Data on the prevalence of DA and its gender distribution in Samarkand region for the years 2010–2024. Clinical, epidemiological, socio-hygienic (social survey), laboratory, and statistical methods were used in the study.

Results and Discussion. During 2010–2024, the prevalence of DA in Samarkand region decreased 5.3-fold, with an average annual decline rate of −5.8%, averaging 48.6 per 100,000 population. Since 2022, an increase in DA cases has been observed: the 2024 prevalence rate (23.3) is 1.9 times higher than in 2021 (12.2), with an average annual increase of +30.3%.

In 2010–2024, the proportion of opium use among patients under dispensary monitoring averaged 19.5%, decreasing 3.4-fold. The proportion of heroin use remains dominant (average 47.5%), although it decreased 1.7-fold during 2010–2024; however, since 2022 an upward trend in heroin use has been observed. Opium poppy consumption averaged 3.3%, decreasing 1.2-fold over 2010–2024. Over the last 15 years, the share of cannabis use increased 15.1-fold. Use of synthetic substances and pharmaceutical preparations started in 2018, and their proportion increased 5.1-fold from 2018 to 2024, representing an unfavorable prognostic sign. The proportion of polydrug use averaged 6.5%. In Samarkand region, among patients with drug addiction registered from 2010–2024, males predominated, averaging 97.3%. The share of females over this period averaged 2.7%, which is 36 times lower than the male share (p<0.001). The average DA prevalence rate per 100,000 men in 2010–2024 (93.4) was 1.9 times higher than the overall population rate (48.6), and 34.6 times higher

than the rate for women (2.7). The average prevalence rate for women (2.7) was 18 times lower than the population average (48.6).

Conclusions. Differences in DA prevalence between genders are explained by the fact that men are more frequently exposed to risk factors that increase the likelihood of drug use. The rising prevalence of drug addiction among both genders in recent years is an unfavorable prognostic sign and should be taken into account when planning preventive, medical, and social interventions.