title: The epidemiology of addiction in Sub-Saharan Africa: a synthesis of reports, reviews, and original articles.
abstract: Use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances is associated with serious social and public health problems, but the extent of the problem in Sub-Saharan Africa is not well known. We set out to review epidemiological publications on alcohol and other psychoactive substances in Sub-Saharan Africa by performing a systematic search of electronic databases and paper records. Ten Sub-Saharan African countries are among the 22 in the world with the highest increase in per capita alcohol consumption. Cannabis, tobacco, and khat are widely used, and use of cocaine, stimulants, and heroin is increasing. More epidemiological research and implementation and evaluation of interventions is needed. Collaboration between African researchers and those in developed countries could help.
authors.affiliation: Keele University Medical School (Harplands Campus), Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Wilson
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Acuda
authors.forename: Caleb J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Othieno
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Obondo
authors.forename: Ilana B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Crome
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D000367:Age Factors; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000639:trends; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs