How and What are Indians Drinking? Findings from the National Family Health Survey.

AIMS: To assess recent changes in the extent and pattern of alcohol use in India using the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data. METHODS: We used unit-level data from both rounds of NFHS. The pattern of alcohol use was categorized as: 'almost every day', 'almost once a week' and 'less than once a week'. The information was segregated for the urban and rural settings. Information was also available on the type of alcoholic beverage used by the respondents. The z test for differences in proportions was carried out for the study variables. RESULTS: Findings suggest a 22.37 and 39.02% reduction in the proportion of men and women who reported alcohol use, respectively. The proportion of men reporting 'almost every day' and 'about once a week' consumption of alcohol increased by 24.19 and 7.14%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With the caveats of expected limitations of surveys, the findings suggest an overall decrease in alcohol use in India, though the proportion of men with more frequent alcohol has increased. There is a need to strengthen the investment in the initiatives targeted at the harms due to alcohol use.

Bone Mineral Density, Bone Microarchitecture and Vertebral Fractures in Male Patients with Alcohol Use Disorders.

AIM: To investigate abnormalities in bone mineral density, trabecular bone score and vertebral fractures in male patients with alcohol use disorder to understand the impact on bone health. METHODS: The study subjects included 134 male patients. Controls were 134 age matched healthy males. Assessments were made of the bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS) and vertebral morphometry (VFA) for vertebral fractures. Biochemical measurements included serum total T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25- Hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH) D. RESULTS: The mean BMD at total forearm, proximal forearm (or distal 1/3) and mid forearm was significantly higher in the alcohol use disorders (AUD) group than the controls (P < 0.01). Around 15% of patients with AUD had VFs compared with 9.0% of the healthy controls (P = 0.19). For each kg/m2 gain in body mass index (BMI), lumbar spine and total hip BMD increased by 0.009 and 0.014 g/cm2, respectively. Lumbar and hip BMD decreased by 0.002 and 0.003 g/cm2 per year increase in duration of alcohol used. For every 5 years increase in age of the patients the odds of having VFs increased by 39% (odds ratio 1.393 [95% confidence interval = 1.031-1.881, P = 0.03]). CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study suggest that persons with AUD in third and fourth decades of life, with BMI in normal range and with alcohol use disorder duration of around one decade might have no major alteration in BMD and TBS. Impact of alcohol use in this population was manifest by marginal increase in the prevalence of mild grade of vertebral fractures, mostly in the thoracic region.

Primary and secondary prevention strategies against illicit drug use among adults aged 18-25: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the literature for preventive programs against illicit drug use that specifically target adults aged 18-25 (i.e. emerging adults). METHODS: Narrative review of preventive programs that have a high strength of recommendation according to the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) grading system. RESULTS: Prevention programs that met the criteria are school and college based, family-based, community based, peer-led, workplace-based, and technology-based interventions. They target the known modifiable risk factors associated with illicit drug use among adolescents and young adults. CONCLUSION: The preventive programs we reviewed are utilizing evidence-based strategies for the prevention of illicit drug use. Further research is needed to formulate new and effective preventive strategies for the reduction of illicit drug use by emerging adults.

A study of pathways to care among opioid dependent individuals seeking treatment at a community de-addiction clinic in India.

Drug use, including opioid use disorder, is one of the rapidly rising and serious problems affecting populations globally. There is a treatment gap and delay in presentation of drug users to treatment centers. The present study aimed at assessing the pathways to care among opioid-dependent individuals seeking treatment from a community-based treatment center in India. In a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a community clinic of the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), New Delhi, India, a total of 100 treatment-seeking drug users (age 18-60 years) fulfilling DSM IV TR criteria for opioid dependence were recruited. The data were collected using a semistructured pro forma based on patient self-report and the encounter form used in the World Health Organization (WHO) Pathway Study. All participants were male, were mostly married, were employed, and belonged to nuclear families. Ninety-eight percent of participants has ever used heroin in a dependent fashion and 20% were using it currently. Mean age of the participants was 40.83 years (SD 12.7). Median age of onset of heroin use was 22 years (IQR 12). Median duration of heroin use was 138 months (IQR 132). Only 21% of participants visited the community deaddiction clinic at the first contact with care. The median time for first treatment-seeking attempt was 9.5 years (IQR 7). The study findings suggest significant delay between onset of drug-related problems and first treatment contact. There is a need to increase the availability and accessibility of treatment services to reduce the delay in treatment seeking.

Impact of lockdown following COVID-19 on the gaming behavior of college students.

BACKGROUND: The uncertainty about the impact of the lockdown in wake of COVID-19 on their future academic and carrier prospects, besides other concerns; makes college students, particularly vulnerable to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaming has been recognized as a coping mechanism against stress in the previously published literature. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to assess the gaming behavior of college students during the lockdown following COVID-19. METHODS: Data were collected from a cohort of students that constituted the sampling frame of an ongoing project. A total of 393 college students were enrolled. All the eligible students were subsequently contacted through E-mail and WhatsApp messenger and invited to share the details. RESULTS: About half (50.8%) of the participants reported that their gaming behavior had increased, whereas 14.6% reported a decrease in their gaming during the lockdown period. In binary logistic regression analysis, hours of gaming per day (odds ratio [OR] 1.75 [1.29-2.36]), increase in gaming due to examination related stress (OR 4.96 [1.12-21.98]), and belief that gaming helps managing stress (OR 4.27 [1.65-11.04]), were found to be independently associated with gaming behavior during lockdown period. CONCLUSION: In the lockdown period following COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in gaming behavior was associated with examination-related stress and the belief that gaming helps combat stress. These observations highlight the need to focus on the coping style of the students to ascertain the likelihood of them engaging in gaming behavior as a coping mechanism against stress.

Are the Patients Ready for the Change?: An Empirical Study to Evaluate the Impact of Change in Formulation of Buprenorphine-Naloxone on Prescription Pattern, Treatment Adherence, and Patient Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic adherence is one of the most important determinants of the outcome with OST. There are no published studies that have explored the impact of change in tablet formulation of buprenorphine-naloxone from one brand to another among patients receiving OST. OBJECTIVES: The current study is aimed at evaluation of the impact of change in buprenorphine-naloxone formulation on prescription pattern, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction with OST. METHODS: Our study was a cross sectional study based on a cohort of patients who were receiving OST at the study setting. Changes in prescription pattern, reports of subjective opioid withdrawal symptoms, or observation of objective opioid withdrawal symptoms were noted from the case records. The satisfaction and concerns of the patients with buprenorphine-naloxone formulations were assessed using a semi-structured proforma. RESULTS: An increase in dose of buprenorphine-naloxone was noted in 22 participants, since formulation change. Twenty participants reported that the color of the formulation was different from the previous one, the intensity of effect was reported to be different by 87% participants. Seventy-three percent participants endorsed that increase in dose can be a possible solution to address the perceived differences in the effects of two formulations. Changes in physical attributes of the formulation, perception among treatment seeking peers regarding such changes in treatment, and lack of sense of autonomy regarding one's treatment play a more important role in determining response of the patients to changes in formulation of buprenorphine-naloxone.

Internalized stigma among patients with substance use disorders at a tertiary care center in India.

Internalized stigma among individuals with substance use disorders is a major barrier for accessing mental health services. This study aimed to assess internalized stigma among individuals with substance use disorders and to assess the relationship of internalized stigma with the quality of life. This cross-sectional study recruited 201 patients with a clinical diagnosis of at least opioid or alcohol use disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 at a public-funded tertiary care center in India. The study participants were interviewed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS), and the World Health Organization's Quality of Life (WHOQOL-Bref) questionnaire. Seven participants (3.5% of the sample) had mild stigma according to ISMI scores, 62 (30.8%) had moderate stigma, and 132 (65.7%) had severe stigma. The various quality-of-life domains generally had a negative correlation with the internalized stigma scores. Participants using opioids as the primary substance of use were more likely to have severe internalized stigma. The experience of internalized stigma and dissatisfaction with quality of life is quite high among people suffering with substance use disorders in India. These results emphasize the need for interventions to reduce internal perception of stigma and improve the quality of life of individuals with substance use disorders.

Awareness, Self-Assessment and Help Seeking Behavior for Behavioral Addictions Related to Use of Mobile Technology Among Attendees of a Health Camp.

Introduction: Behavioral addictions are increasingly being recognized as a major public health problem. While this issue continues to hog the limelight in the media, there is limited scientific research on this theme from India. Objectives: We aimed at presenting the findings on assessment of the awareness, self-assessment and help seeking behavior for behavioral addictions related to use of mobile technology among attendees of a trade promotion event. Methods: We report findings from a health camp organized as part of a large trade promotion event in the northern part of India. The trade promotion event was open to the general public. As part of the screening services offered at the health camp, the visitors were offered to screen themselves on the theme of behavioral addictions related to use of mobile technology using a self-administered questionnaire. We carried out a chart review of the data gathered at the health camp. Results: We assessed records of a total of 817 respondents who completed the screening using the self-administered questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 32.35 years (SD ± 13.62). Approximately 56% of the respondents rated themselves to be having at least one of the nine features of behavioral addictions. Around 15% of the respondents endorsed five or more features. Around 41% of the respondents mentioned that they shall agree to the professional help in case they are having behavioral addiction related to use of mobile technology. Fifteen percent of the respondents agreed to have sought some help in the past. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of help seeking increased significantly with every single increase in the number of self-assessed feature of behavioral addiction.

Uttar Pradesh Association of Physicians of India Position Statement: Betel Quid (Paan) and Diabetes.

Betel quid (paan) chewing is common in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh. Betel quid has multifaceted relationship with health, including metabolic and psychosocial health. The current recommendations have been released keeping in view the public health and clinical importance of this addictive behavior. The objective of this document is to offer clinical guidance for screening, diagnosis and management of co-occurring betel quid chewing among persons with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The document aims to provide education and guidance to clinicians engaged in care and management of persons with DM, and improve access to treatment for co-occurring betel quid chewing among persons with DM. The current recommendation grades are based on published evidence, and categorized as strong, intermediate, weak and no evidence. The strength of these recommendations is based on the level of evidence.

Problematic internet use among students in South-East Asia: Current state of evidence.

Problematic Internet use (PIU) among students has become a significant mental health concern. Our goals were to review the existing studies on problematic Internet from Southeast Asian Region and examine: the prevalence for PIU among students; explore for sociodemographic and clinical correlates; and assess the physical, mental, and psychosocial impact of PIU in this population. All studies conducted among population of the Southeast Asia, involving students (school students to postgraduate students) of any age which explored etiological factors and/or the prevalence or any other factor associated with PIU/Internet addiction were considered eligible for the present review. The electronic databases of PubMed and Google Scholar were systematically searched for the relevant published studies up to and including October 2016. Our search strategy yielded 549 articles, 295 of which were eligible for screening based on their publication in English language in a peer-reviewed journal. Of these, a total of 38 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The prevalence of severe PIU/Internet addiction ranged from 0 to 47.4%, whereas the prevalence of Internet overuse/possible Internet addiction ranged from 7.4% to 46.4% among students from Southeast Asia. Physical impairments in the form of insomnia (26.8%), daytime sleepiness (20%), and eye strain (19%) were also reported among problem users. There is a need to conduct further research in this area to explore the protective and risk factors associated with it and also longitudinally assess the trajectories of the outcome.

A review of Indian research on co-occurring cannabis use disorders& psychiatric disorders.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Cannabis is a widely used illicit drug and its use is often associated with co-occurring psychiatric disorders. This systematic review was aimed to provide information on the published Indian studies on co-occurring cannabis use disorders and psychiatric disorders. METHODS: An electronic search of available Indian literature using relevant search terms was carried out in May 2015 and 52 articles in English language published from India were included in the current review. RESULTS: Studies on cannabis and associated psychotic disorders (n=16) chiefly described acute episodes with predominant positive symptoms, following cannabis use. Some studies (n=6) observed an overall increased prevalence of all psychiatric disorders and symptoms owing to cannabis use, while others (n=14) elaborated on high rates of substance use in those with psychiatric disorders. The effect of cannabis use on cognitive function was the focus of some of the Indian studies (n=7). All these studies barring one had all male subjects, and a single study described the service delivery model for those with dual diagnosis disorders in India. Most of the research used cross-sectional observational design and focussed on treatment-seeking population. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: A review of Indian literature on cannabis use and its association with psychiatric disorders indicates a high co-prevalence of psychotic disorders, especially in vulnerable individuals as well as high rates of co-occurrence of other psychiatric comorbidities. However, there is limited focus on exploring the aetiological association between cannabis use and psychiatric disorders; understanding the neurobiology of this association and management-related issues.

Indian College of Physicians (ICP) Position Statement on Pharmacovigilance.

Pharmacovigilance is the art and science of detection, understanding and prevention of adverse drug reactions and not merely a critical analysis of prescriptions and errors. This field starts with reporting by clinicians of a suspected adverse drug reaction (ADR) to the pharmacologist followed by joint causality analysis and ends at the application of new information by a clinician for benefit of patients. There are a number of ways, which can be utilised for reporting adverse effects using pen and paper format to software applications for smart phones. Varied types of activities spreading from systematic reviews to the mechanistic evaluation of ADR can be performed under the umbrella of pharmacovigilance. It is of utmost importance for clinicians to understand how to identify, communicate and understand adverse effects of drugs with an aim to prevent harm to patients.

Indian College of Physicians Position Statement: Addictive Disorders Among Persons with Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: Migraine, a common primary headache disorder which can be severely disabling, associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) amongst affected patients. The present study was performed to provide adequate clinical data on migraine and the management practices in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed to assess disease burden, HRQoL, symptom profile, management trends and comorbidities associated with migraine patients across ten centres in India. This study assessed HRQoL using Migraine Specific Quality of life (MSQ) and Migraine Disability Assessment Scores (MIDAS) questionnaire. Categorical variables were summarized as frequency, and percentage and continuous variables as mean and standard deviation respectively. RESULTS: A total of 705 patients were enrolled with a mean age of 35.2 years. Hypertension (7.0%) was the highest co-morbid illness associated with migraine. A higher MSQ score was observed in females as compared to males (39.3±12.4 and 37.4±11.6) while MIDAS showed a comparable score (27.7±47.6 and 27.2±35.4). Majority of migraine patients were unemployed (61.6%) and in profession, females had poor HRQoL than males by MIDAS and MSQ. Majority of patients had pulsating, bilateral attacks for the duration of 4h to 72 h. Paracetamol (47.1%) and propranolol (50.9%) was most commonly prescribed drugs for acute attack and prophylaxis, respectively. CONCLUSION: The quality of life was superior in males as compared to females amongst migraine patients in India. Hypertension was the commonest comorbidity associated with migraine. KEY MESSAGES: Migraine is associated with substantial disability with higher prevalence in females and older people (age >40 years). NSAIDs and propanol was widely prescribed drug in acute attacks and prophylaxis of migraine respectively. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and anxiety were common comorbidities associated with migraine.

Association of Physicians of India: Position Statement on Role of Chirally Pure Molecules in Clinical Practice.

Chirally pure molecules or enantiomers are non-superimposable mirror images of each other with a chiral center (such as carbon, sulphur, nitrogen or phosphorous atom). An equimolar mixture of enantiomers forms a racemate. Chirally pure molecules (single enantiomers) are important in the field of drug discovery as the drug targets such as enzymes and receptors are enantioselective in nature. Clinical studies have demonstrated that chirally pure drugs exhibit different pharmacokinetic and metabolic profiles, reduced adverse events, improved safety profiles and similar therapeutic activity at lowered drug dosage as compared with the racemate in many therapeutic areas. However, since there is a low level of awareness on the advantages of chirally pure molecules among clinicians, pharmacists and patients in India, the Association of Physicians of India (API) developed this position statement to increase awareness on the concept of chirality and the associated advantages of using chirally pure drugs in certain therapeutic areas to maximize patient outcomes. This includes the clinical evidence associated with single enantiomers such as S-metoprolol, S-amlodipine, esomeprazole, escitalopram, levobupivacaine, cisatracurium, S-etodolac, dexketoprofen, levofloxacin in terms of efficacy and safety as compared with their racemates. In addition, the API also provides some tactical recommendations for clinicians, pharmacists, patients, regulatory body and pharmaceutical companies to increase awareness on chirally pure drugs and puts forth the need for expedited availability of chirally pure drugs in the Indian market.

Uttar Pradesh Association of Physicians of India Position Statement: Tobacco Use and Metabolic Syndrome.

Tobacco use is one of the main preventable causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The global disease burden due to tobacco use is huge with projected mortality of eight million lives per year by 2030. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined as a constellation of cardiovascular and endocrine risk factors such as insulin resistance, obesity, raised blood pressure, and abnormal lipid profile. The relationship between tobacco use and MS has been well established. Also, the causal association between tobacco use and development of individual components of MS is well established. The Uttar Pradesh Association of Physicians of India (UP API) has drafted this position statement on managing tobacco use among persons with or at risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome (MS). This position statement presents evidence-based recommendations as described below. Scope and purpose The objective of this position statement is to offer clinical recommendations for screening, diagnosis and management of tobacco use among persons with or at risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome (MS). The purpose of this document is to aid in identification and treatment of maladaptive patterns of tobacco use i.e. tobacco use disorder (tobacco dependence, harmful use, abuse) in person with or at risk of developing MS. Intended Audience The position statement is targeted at the clinicians engaged in care and management of person with or at risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome (MS). This might also be of relevance to the policy makers considering the public health burden of both MS and tobacco use disorders.

Profile of female patients seeking in-patient treatment for prescription opioid abuse from a tertiary care drug dependence treatment centre from India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: There has been a limited focus on prescription drug abuse among women in the country. Choice of psychoactive substance, reasons for initiation and co-occurring disorders have been found to be different among men and women. The current study was aimed at studying the profile of female patients seeking in-patient treatment for prescription drug use over a period of five years at a tertiary care drug dependence treatment centre in India. METHODS: Case records of all female patients admitted with substance use disorder at a national level drug dependence treatment centre in north India across five years (between January 2008 and December 2012) were reviewed retrospectively to study their socio-demographic and clinical profile. The information was gathered using a semi-structured proforma and detailed case records. Abstinence, relapse and retention rates were calculated. RESULTS: Over the five years, 31 female patients were admitted with prescription drug abuse. Of them, 12 (39%) used prescription opioids and 11 (36%) used prescription opioid along with benzodiazepines. Commonest prescription opioid was pentazocine used by 87 per cent of the women. Twenty two (71%) women were introduced to opioid by medical practitioners and commonest reason for introduction was pain (among 48%). Common co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses were depressive disorder (26%), cluster B traits/disorder (19%) and somatoform disorder (13%). Eight women did not complete treatment and left against medical advice. Thirteen women were advised maintenance treatment, and 70 per cent of them were retained for at least six months. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed a link between mental illness, pain and non-medical use of prescription opioids among women. Majority of these women received opioids as a legitimate prescription form physician. Therefore, these legitimate prescribers should be trained for pain management to facilitate proper treatment of pain and to prevent the subsequent misuse of these medicines. Female patients with frequent pain complaints should be assessed for psychopathology while prescribing opioids.

State of Training, Clinical Services, and Research on Dual Disorders Across France, India, Israel, and Spain.

OBJECTIVE: This article overviews training, clinical services, and research on dual disorders across four countries: France, India, Israel, and Spain. METHODS: The current dual disorders systems in each of the four countries were reviewed, with a focus on strengths and limitations of each. RESULTS: In France, psychiatric care occurs within the public health care system and involves little training of medical graduates for managing dual disorders. Special courses and forums for specialists have recently started to meet the growing interest of physicians in learning how to manage dual disorders. The Indian health care system grapples with a large treatment gap for mental disorders, and while some treatment services for dual disorders exist, specific research and training efforts on dual disorders are just beginning. Israel has both public- and private sector services for patients with dual disorders, with specialized inpatient and emergency care for the acutely ill as well as day care and therapeutic communities for long-term management. Interest by researchers is growing, but training and education efforts in dual disorders are, however, minimal. Similar to the other countries, addiction and psychiatry disciplines are governed by separate divisions within the National Health System in Spain. There are some dual disorders services available, but they are limited in scope. While medical professionals clearly recognize the importance of dual disorders, there is no such recognition by the national and regional governing bodies. CONCLUSIONS: The common thread in various aspects of dual disorder management in each of these four countries is that there is a lower-than-desirable level of attention to dual disorders in terms of care, policy, research, and training. There are growing opportunities for training and continuing education in dual disorders management. We suggest that nations could learn from each other's experiences on how to address the issue of dual disorders.

Problematic Internet Use and Its Correlates Among Students from Three Medical Schools Across Three Countries.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to assess and compare problematic internet use among medical students enrolled in a graduate degree course in one school each from Croatia, India, and Nigeria and to assess correlates of problematic use among these students. METHODS: The questionnaire included a sociodemographic profile of participants and Young's Internet Addiction Test. RESULTS: The final analysis included 842 subjects. Overall, 38.7 and 10.5 % of respondents scored in the mild and moderate categories. Only a small fraction (0.5 %) of students scored in the severe category. Being male and spending more time on the internet were correlated with problematic internet use. Moreover, a significantly higher proportion of participants who scored above the cutoff used the Internet for browsing, social networking, chatting, gaming, shopping, and viewing pornography. However, there was no difference between the two groups with regard to using the internet for e-mailing or academic activities. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to address problematic internet use among medical students. The correlates can help identify those at increased risk.