Lived Experiences of Nonmedical Use of Tramadol Among Urban Slum-Dwelling Youth in Ghana
A Qualitative Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13914355 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Solomon Osei‐Tutu (0009-0009-2537-8513, Offinso College of Education, corresponding author), Obed Jones Owusu-Sarpong (0009-0000-5418-4093, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology College of Humanities and Social Sciences), Felix Asante (0000-0002-0601-6877, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology College of Humanities and Social Sciences), Lawrencia Pokuah Siaw (0000-0002-4392-4604, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology College of Humanities and Social Sciences), Razak M Gyasi (0000-0002-6733-1539, African Population and Health Research Center) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Pages | 1-10 |
| Publication date | 2025-02-12 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0279-1072 • E-ISSN: 2159-9777 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/02791072.2025.2465805 |
| PMID | 39940121 |
| OpenAlex | W4407555712 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 37 |
The world is witnessing a pharmaceutical opioid crisis, and in Africa's version, the nonmedical use of Tramadol is prevalent in vulnerable populations. However, data on the factors promoting nonmedical use of Tramadol in slums is generally lacking. The study explored the factors that promote the nonmedical use of Tramadol among urban slum-dwelling youth in the Asokore Mampong Municipality, Ghana. This qualitative study recruited 20 nonmedical Tramadol users from Asawase and Aboabo in the Asokore Mampong Municipality as participants. Data were gathered through face-to-face, in-depth interviews via the snowball sampling technique. Data were analyzed using themes and direct quotations. The study observed that Tramadol was used in quantities exceeding what is medically acceptable many times daily and in combination with other substances with psychoactive properties. Tramadol use was informed by its efficacy in providing physical (reducing tiredness, pain relief, and sexual enhancement) and psychological (mood enhancement) benefits. Easy accessibility and affordability of Tramadol, coupled with lax measures in checking substance use, contribute to its nonmedical use with other substances. The extent of abuse of Tramadol in the study setting needs urgent attention. Educational programs on substance use, counseling interventions, and effective drug monitoring and surveillance are required to curb the menace
Environmental health · Geography · Population · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Slum · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Tramadol · Animal testing and alternatives · Medicine · Opioid Use Disorder Treatment · Psychology · Veterinary Pharmacology and Anesthesia · Gerontology
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |