A Mixed-Methods Study on Illicit Substance Use: Urinalysis among Adults in Nightlife Settings and a Consumption Survey among Adolescents in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

The consumption of illicit and other psychotropic substances remains a public health and safety issue worldwide in general and in Cameroon in particular. This is an alarming growing phenomenon in developing countries that negatively affects the youth. In this study, psychoactive substances were searched and detected in urine of adults attending dancing clubs and bars in the city of Yaoundé. To this end, a total of 70 urine samples were collected from the environment of establishments (public toilets) in the city’s popular neighborhoods (7 city councils). After acid and alkaline double extraction of each urine sample, the drug families were detected by colorimetric methods and identified by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). The frequencies of detection of the different drug families in total samples were 29% for the cannabinoid family, nutmeg and stimulants (amphetamines, methamphetamines, methadone, cocaine, codeine and ecstasy); and 39% of opioids and their derivatives respectively in the acid extract. However, in the basic extract, results showed the detection of 45% of cannabinoids and nutmeg, 13% of stimulants and 26% of opioids derivatives. Altogether, our results showed that Yaoundé 5 District council is the area with the highest concentration of illicit drug consumers in Yaoundé. From these observations, an awareness campaign was organized in three secondary schools. A total of 250 participants were enrolled. The prevalence of illicit drug consumption was 11,2% with tramadol being the most used. Motivators for illicit drug consumption were to feel powerful, to be courageous and to be able to work longer. Overall, results show a high consumption of illicit drugs among adults and urge for appropriate measures to be taken in order to limit drug consumption issue. Nevertheless, the consumption of illicit drugs by adolescent learners was low. Altogether, our findings can guide country’s policymakers on strategies to prevent and regulate illicit consumption of prohibited drugs and accentuate programs put in place to avoid drug consumption by secondary school adolescents.