The Qualitative Study of Protective and Risk Factors in Addiction among Men and Women in Isfahan City

Objective: The purpose of this research was the qualitative study of protective and risk factors in addiction among men and women in Isfahan city. Method: The research was conducted using content analysis method (Brown & Clark, 2006). The statistical population included healthy and addicted men and women. Purposeful sampling was performed among clients referring to the addiction treatment centers, the addicts under methadone maintenance therapy, community-based treatment center, camp and the society of anonymous addicts. Also, the healthy individuals were selected based on matched addicts' characteristics. The number of participants was based on data saturation criteria. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection that contained questions regarding the protective and risk factors with respect to addiction. The qualitative data were analyzed by Brown and Clark Method. Results: The results of the content analysis showed that protective and risk factors of addiction were classified into three main categories: intra-family, intra- Psychical and family external factors. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be said that in order to prevent addiction, the above mentioned factors should be considered in the prevention packages.