South Africa has a burgeoning problem of methamphetamine
use, particularly in the Western Cape. Although methamphetamine has been
associated with elevated psychological distress, there has been little
examination of the mental health needs of out-of-treatment methamphetamine
users in South Africa.
To describe the mental health experiences and needs of
out-of-treatment methamphetamine users in Cape Town.
Active methamphetamine users were recruited using respondent
driven sampling techniques. Eligible participants (n=360) completed a
computer-assisted assessment and clinical interview, where they provided data
on mental health symptoms and treatment seeking behaviour. A subset of 30
participants completed qualitative in-depth interviews where they provided
narrative accounts of their mental health experiences and needs. Analysis of
the mixed-methods data was conducted using a concurrent triangulation strategy,
whereby both methods contributed equally to the analysis and were used for
cross-validation.
About half of survey participants met screening criteria for
depression and traumatic stress, and there were some indications of paranoia.
Using substances to cope with psychological distress was common, with
participants talking about using methamphetamine to numb their feelings or
forget stressful memories. One-third of women and 13`% of men had previously
tried to commit suicide. Despite the huge mental health burden in this
population, very few had ever received mental health treatment.
The data indicates a need for integrated care that addresses
both substance use and psychiatric needs in this population. Mental health and
drug treatment services targeting methamphetamine users should have a
particular focus on suicide prevention.
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By:
1Duke University Duke Global Health Institute.
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