Exploring The Mental Health Of Individuals In Recovery From Substance Use In Nepal

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the mental health of Nepalese individuals in substance abuse recovery, correlating it with drug recovery periods and identifying predictive factors in both genders. A total of 352 participants aged 18–50 years underwent evaluation using a descriptive cross-sectional design and quantitative methods at nine different rehabilitation centers in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Structured questionnaires, encompassing five established scales; Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Multi-Dimensional Perceived Social Support Scale were administered to collect data on personal details and substance use. The analysis involved correlation studies, variance assessments, and multiple regression analyses. Results indicate that participants experienced mild to moderate anxiety, depression, and stress during recovery, with females exhibiting heightened vulnerability compared to males. Self-esteem levels were above average, while perceived social support was moderate among participants. Significantly, mental health factors emerged as predictors of recovery duration in Nepalese women, while their influence was not significant in Nepalese men during separate multivariate analyses. Notably, factors such as admission frequency to rehabilitation centers and self-esteem significantly impacted recovery duration for females. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of mental health in shaping recovery durations among Nepali substance users, highlighting gender-specific nuances. Findings offer valuable insights for tailored interventions and support strategies within substance abuse rehabilitation programs.