"I Don't Belong Here": Experiences of Substance Use and Treatment Compliance among Young Adults in Lango, Uganda

Samuel Ouma^*Prossy Lynda EnonJoan Nalunkuuma

• Makerere University College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kampala, Uganda

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are a leading cause of disability and premature mortality among youth globally. A significant number of young people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are reported to have SUDs and very few seeking help. The actual reasons for poor health-seeking behaviors and non-compliance remain largely unknown. This cross-sectional-qualitative study examined the experiences of substance use, health-seeking behaviors and treatment compliance of patients diagnosed with SUDs in the Lango subregion of Uganda. A phenomenological research design was employed., Individual face-to-face audio-recorded Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed. The results show the study involved 10 participants aged between 18 and 35 years, four of whom were female. Key findings include participants’ early exposure to alcohol at home and through peer influence; involuntary health seeking behavior enforced by family and largely negative attitudes to SUD treatment under three major themes: 1) exposure to and maintenance of the use of substances; 2) circumstances of seeking treatment for SUDs; and 3) general ambivalence and negative attitudes toward treatment for SUDs. In conclusion, limited understanding of SUDs as serious health problems amidst increasing accessibility to more psychoactive substances in the community continues to impede health-seeking behavior and compliance with treatment. Concerted efforts aimed at increasing public mental health awareness of SUDs and innovative culturally sensitive clinical interventions can help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with substance use.