ABSTRACT
Areca nut (AN) is an addictive substance widely used in different world regions. There are several side effects associated with the use of AN, which have already been reported. However, the reports on hepatotoxicity of AN are sporadic and non-conclusive. In the present case report, we investigated the hepatotoxicity of AN in a four-year-old Iranian girl who was transferred to our medical center with abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and other symptoms such as hematuria, decreased mental status, multiple seizure episodes. After a comprehensive evaluation, it was concluded that these signs and symptoms were all attributed to AN consumption, which was given by her mother to control diarrhea. Eventually, the patient medical conditions were managed successfully, and she survived by intense medical care. In conclusion, we suggest AN should be considered a potential hepatotoxic agent.
ABSTRACT
To explore the subjective perceptions of women from rural and urban communities in Bangalore, India, regarding their perspectives about addictive substance use (ASU), and the interventions/support they need to quit use. Based on the data collected, the goal of this study was to develop an intervention that would address the women's needs. Mixed methods were used as follows: (a) door-to-door survey of women (N = 2044) regarding their use of addictive substances, and (b) focus group discussions with the women to explore their perceptions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, themes and sub-themes identified. More than one-third (32.7%) reported past 3-month ASU, with majority reporting smokeless tobacco products (82.6%). Alcohol use was reported by 17.4%. Four major themes (with sub-themes) were identified from the focus group discussions: (1) Patterns of use (oral tobacco products-kaddipudi, thambaku; alcohol), (2) Reasons for use (to relieve stress and forget problems, tobacco use as a way of life, for postnatal benefits, due to easy availability, to reduce fatigue and pain, indigestion, hunger), (3) Low risk perception related to ASU ("We know how to use tobacco safely", "No real harm from tobacco"), and (4) Issues related to quitting ASU and help-seeking (unwillingness to quit, methods of intervention- "videos, or tablets/injections to help us quit ASU"). The findings highlight challenges involved in the development of effective interventions for women. Additionally, there is a clear need for broader community agencies to address psychological, cultural, and social dimensions.
Subject(s)
Substance-Related Disorders , Tobacco, Smokeless , Female , Humans , India/epidemiology , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology , Tobacco Use/epidemiologyABSTRACT
La Terapia Ocupacional, además de desempeñar un rol importante en la rehabilitación, constituye una herramienta indispensable para realizar acciones preventivas direccionadas al consumo de sustancias adictivas en la adolescencia, desde los centros comunitarios de salud mental. En el presente trabajo se destacan el valor de la comunidad como escenario para la intervención, la clasificación científica de las drogas teniendo en cuenta sus efectos sobre el sistema nervioso central, así como las acciones desde la actividad y las ocupaciones, lo cual mejora la calidad del servicio que se presta a ese grupo etario.
The Occupational Therapy, besides carrying out an important role in rehabilitation, constitutes an indispensable tool to achieve preventive actions addressed to the consumption of addictive substances in adolescence, from the mental health community centers. In this work, the value of the community as scenario for the intervention, as well as the scientific classification of drugs are highlighted keeping in mind its effects on the central nervous system, as well as in the actions from the activity and occupations, which improves the service quality to that age group.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Behavior, Addictive/prevention & control , Behavior, Addictive/rehabilitation , Substance-Related Disorders/prevention & control , Occupational Therapy , CommunicationABSTRACT
La Terapia Ocupacional, además de desempeñar un rol importante en la rehabilitación, constituye una herramienta indispensable para realizar acciones preventivas direccionadas al consumo de sustancias adictivas en la adolescencia, desde los centros comunitarios de salud mental. En el presente trabajo se destacan el valor de la comunidad como escenario para la intervención, la clasificación científica de las drogas teniendo en cuenta sus efectos sobre el sistema nervioso central, así como las acciones desde la actividad y las ocupaciones, lo cual mejora la calidad del servicio que se presta a ese grupo etario(AU)
The Occupational Therapy, besides carrying out an important role in rehabilitation, constitutes an indispensable tool to achieve preventive actions addressed to the consumption of addictive substances in adolescence, from the mental health community centers. In this work, the value of the community as scenario for the intervention, as well as the scientific classification of drugs are highlighted keeping in mind its effects on the central nervous system, as well as in the actions from the activity and occupations, which improves the service quality to that age group(AU)
