Relationship Between Social, Economic and Cultural Factors and Women’s Tendency Toward Crystal Methamphetamine or Opium Use

Objectives: High prevalence of stimulants use –especially crystalline methamphetamine (crystal meth)-, which required extensive medical and rehabilitation interventions is a major problem in Iran’s health care system. Main objective of the current study was to compare social, economic and cultural factors associated with female’s tendency toward use of two main types of drugs including opium and crystal methamphetamine. Methods: The present cross-sectional and comparative study was performed on female opium and Methamphetamine (MA) dependents of Tehran in 2015. 136 women (82 crystal meth consumers and 54 opium consumers) were selected by simple random sampling method whom filled a researcher-developed questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Chi-square test using SPSS software V. 19. Results: There were significant differences between two groups in terms of marital status (P=0.012), the believe in better fitness with drug use (P=0.011), and the believe in improved working and studying efficacy (P=0.039). Discussion: It seems that misconceptions of beneficial impact of crystal methamphetamine use on fitness and improved working and studying efficacy could be recognized as a prominent factor for women’s tendency toward crystal methamphetamine use. Also, being single and avoiding a stable marital life was a strong factor associated with such tendency. This was whilst opium use was more prevalent among married women, and especially those influenced by their addicted spouse.