Associated Factors of Care Continuity among People Who are Addicted to Psychoactive Substances at the "La Vie" Center and Jamot Hospital in Yaounde

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to determine the associated factors of care continuity among people who are addicted to psychoactive substances at the "La Vie" Center and Jamot hospital in Yaounde.

Problem: The management of addictions is a public health challenge. Addictions to psychoactive substances (APS) cause multiple consequences in the world, particularly in the African context. In fact, they are risk factors for depression, high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, seizures, cirrhosis, malnutrition, cancers and for traumas at different medico-psychosocial levels. Although these facts are alarming, there are many irregularities in the treatment of this phenomenon, especially in the process of adequate continuity of care.

Methods: The researchers recruited 120 participants aged 15 to 51 years old. Data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire, a continuity of care scale, a self-esteem scale, a stigma of illicit drug use scale, and a social support scale.

Conclusions: The results showed that the average age of the participants was 25 ± 8 years, and they prefer to use cannabis 4 or more times a week. Although most participants reported having quick access to the doctor and members of the care team at any time, 76.7% of them had an average level of continuity of care. There was a significant association between living environment, socio-economic level, type of substance used, and level of continuity of care.

Significant correlations were found between continuity of care, self-esteem, and social support. Also, we had a significant correlation in the opposite direction between the stigma of illicit drug use and social support

To improve care continuity among people who are addicted to psychoactive substances, they must be encouraged to have better self-esteem, awareness must be raised to avoid stigmatization, their social support must be our priority and finally, their care protocol must be contextualized and should take into account the type of substances consumed and their socio-economic context.