A Qualitative Study of Risk Factors of Substance Abuse among Women

Abstract

Background: The rate of substance abuse by women is growing over last several decades. However, most addiction studies have been conducted on men with a quantitative approach. Methods: The present study examined the risk factors of addiction among women through qualitative research. This research was a content analysis. Sampling was done in a targeted manner from addicted women referred to substance abuse treatment centers in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in 2022. The research tool was an in-depth interview. The research data were analyzed by open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. Results: The research findings showed that the main categories are individual factors, family factors, socio-cultural factors and economic factors were effective in the incidence of substance abuse among women. In terms of priority, individual factors (41%), family factors (29%), socio-cultural factors (21%) and economic factors (9%) were effective in the incidence of substance addiction among women. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that individual, family, socio-cultural and economic factors play a significant role in women's tendency to substance abuse. This requires providing training and solutions about these factors.