Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation in Iraqi Crystal Methamphetamine Users

Abstract

Crystal methamphetamine, a potent psychostimulant, presents a complex clinical landscape. However, insights into the predisposing factors for suicidal tendencies among Iraqi users remain limited. Our study delves into these risks among 165 patients. Rigorous multivariable analysis was conducted, employing binary logistic regression, drawing from patients from Baghdad Medical City and Ibn-Rushd Teaching Hospital. Most participants were in their third decade (26.62 ± 0.53 years). Regarding suicidal ideation, our model demonstrated robust accuracy, supported by the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (NagelKerke’s R2 = 0.49, accuracy = 79.4%, p = 0.885). Notably, chronic methamphetamine use exceeding a year (OR = 6.15, p = 0.001), absence of psychological trauma (OR = 4.58, p = 0.006), and incidence of visual hallucinations (OR = 4.52, p = 0.001) rendered users more susceptible to suicidal ideation. Furthermore, our investigation unveiled risk factors tied to psychotic features and withdrawal manifestations. The study underscores pivotal predictors of suicidal ideation, warranting interdisciplinary vigilance from psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and social workers. By monitoring at-risk individuals, progression toward the intricate spectrum of suicide can be potentially averted. These findings illuminate the urgency of tailored interventions for crystal methamphetamine users, contributing to enhanced holistic care.

The impact of methamphetamine on psychosocial variables in patients from Iraq

“…(2023) and Chachan et al. (2022), suggesting a correlation between drug availability and population density ( 4 , 5 ). However, the discrepancy in illiteracy rates, covering one-third of the sample, deviates from earlier studies, indicating potential unique local factors or variations in educational infrastructure ( 4 , 5 ).…”

“…(2022), suggesting a correlation between drug availability and population density ( 4 , 5 ). However, the discrepancy in illiteracy rates, covering one-third of the sample, deviates from earlier studies, indicating potential unique local factors or variations in educational infrastructure ( 4 , 5 ). Similarly, marital status trends align with those observed by Chachan et al., suggesting societal or cultural influences on divorce rates ( 5 ).…”

“…Shabu was its Egyptian name ( 3 ). There are four commonly used amphetamines in the US, and methamphetamine is one of them ( 4 ). In Iraq, dextroamphetamine is in addition to methamphetamine ( 5 ).…”

“…methamphetamine is one of them (4). In Iraq, dextroamphetamine is in addition to methamphetamine (5).…”

Cultural Divergence in Psychedelic Use among Medical Students: An ESPAD-Adapted Survey among Poles and Iraqis

“…Potent psychostimulants, such as amphetamine and amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), are the most prevalent, with dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine being the primary amphetamines available in the country, as reported by Chachan and Al-Hemiary (2023) [ 11 ]. Among these, crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “crystal” or “crystal meth”, holds a significant presence in Iraq’s illicit drug scene [ 11 , 12 ]. Al-Hemiary et al (2014) corroborated this trend, demonstrating an exponential increase in the illicit use of ATS, methamphetamine, and captagon, particularly in the governorate of Al-Basrah [ 13 ].…”