National study of drug prevalence and attitudes towards drug use in Haiti

Police data and increased demand for drug-related treatment give evidence of this trend. To facilitate the development of a national drug prevention program, this study examines drug use patterns and the attitudes of the principal groups at risk regarding drugs. The study involved surveys of 2,100 urban residents, aged 12 to 45 years. Key findings regarding prevalence are as follows. (1) Prevalence is highest in Port-au-Prince and use of all substances except crack and inhalants is higher among males than females. (2) Those in the 19-34 age group are most likely to have ever used pharmaceuticals, inhalants, marijuana, crack, and cocaine, suggesting a relatively new and increasing phenomenon, especially regarding crack and cocaine. (3) Many people initiated drug use as teenagers, suggesting a need to target prevention efforts to groups that age. (4) Haiti"s level of recent cocaine use is relatively high when compared with that of a producer country such as Peru, though not as high as that of Guatemala, another drug transit country. Findings regarding attitudes towards drugs indicate that information and education activities are likely to be well-received. Most respondents felt that using drugs of any sort was bad and that drug users could break their habit through moral commitment. Recommendations for developing a national prevention and education program are presented.