SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NATURAL OPIOIDS USE IN NORTHWESTERN RAJASTHAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Background: Opioid in natural form (afeem/amal and poppy husk) has been taken from ancient time in north India including Rajasthan. There are approximately 2.3 crore opioid users in India, according to National Survey. Various psychosocial and cultural factors are associated with its use. Socio-cultural factors for the use of natural opioids are inadequately studied. With this rationale, we planned a study to identify these socio-cultural factors. Method and Material: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. 136 subjects were recruited. Along with socio-demographic profile, a semi-structured proforma of various socio-cultural factors was used. Results: The majorities of subjects were male (97%), married (88.23%), farmer (62.50%), illiterate (44.11%) and hailed from rural areas (92.65). Most common factors associated with starting opioids were to increase work capacity in agricultural work (n= 46; 33.82%) followed by staying away from home for work (n= 36; 26.47%) and usage by another family members (n=34; 25%). Participants were continuously using natural opioids as it increases work capacity and concentration (n=61; 44.85%) and the reasons for quitting were unavailability and financial problems (n=60; 44.12%).  Conclusion: Various socio-cultural factors play important role in initiation and maintenance of natural opioids use.  Key words:  Natural opioids, Opioid dependence, Socio-cultural factors, Northwestern Rajasthan, Agriculture work