Publication:

Substance abuse and its associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia, 2025

Background Substance use refers to the consumption of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs. Substance use among individuals living with HIV AIDS is a significant public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally about 25- 90% of HIV AIDS patients engage in substance use. In Ethiopia, magnitude of HIV AIDS was 3.69% in 2022/2023. Therefore, this study was to identify the magnitude of substance use and associated factor among HIV/AIDS patients at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2025, involving 422 participants selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). Logistic regression identified factors associated with substance use.

Result this study showed that 20.8% of HIV-positive individuals reported substance use, with khat (64.2%) and alcohol (29.8%) being the most common substances. Males were four times more likely to use substances than females. Substance use history, peer substance use, and depression were significantly associated with increased substance use.

Conclusion These findings emphasize the need for integrated care approaches that combine HIV treatment with substance use interventions. It recommends routine screening for substance use and mental health disorders, gender-sensitive and peer-based interventions, and policy changes to improve access to comprehensive care for individuals living with HIV.