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Background: Retention in abstinence-based treatment is often studied in the context of sociodemographic/clinical factors with scant literature on individual factors such as craving, personality, coping, and social support. Aims: A pilot study was conducted to assess the personality, coping strategies, social support, and craving during discharge, among individuals diagnosed with opioid (heroin) dependence syndrome and examine their retention into treatment and abstinence status at 3-month follow-up. Methods: Fifty-three male inpatients with heroin dependence were included in the study and their personality, coping strategies, social support, and craving for heroin were assessed using structured instruments, namely, Big Five Inventory-version 2 (BFI-2), coping strategies inventory (CSI), Social Support Questionnaire-Hindi adaptation, and Obsessive-Compulsive Drug Use Scale, respectively. The initial assessment was made at predischarge, followed by a 3-month follow-up for treatment retention and illicit opioid abstinence. Results: The mean age of the sample was 26.8 ± 8.6 years, with a mean duration of opioid use 6.6 ± 5.9 years. Around 80% (n = 43) followed up at 3 months, of whom 22 respondents reported sustained abstinence during the follow-up period. No significant differences were noted in the sociodemographic or clinical profile amongst those who remained in follow-up versus those who did not and based on who remained abstinent or not at 3 months. Problem-focused disengagement coping on CSI and openness-to-experiences scores on BFI-2 were significantly higher among individuals who did not follow up, while agreeableness scores on BFI were significantly elevated in those who remained abstinent. Conclusions: Although a small sample size, the study highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to match the particular coping mechanisms and personality traits of individuals grappling with opioid dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Media plays an important role in creating awareness and shaping public opinion about child sexual abuse (CSA). Research suggests that sensible media reportage on CSA is important for positive impacts of media. However, most of the studies assessing the quality of CSA news reports are from western countries. Aim: To systematically assess the pattern of online news media reportage of CSA in India. Methodology: A total of 149 news reports on the topic of CSA in India, published online over a one-year period were analyzed. Framing of CSA and other news media characteristics were evaluated. Results: Framing of CSA was episodic in majority of news reports, with criminal-justice system-related details about individual cases mentioned in about 90% reports. Further, more than two-third news reports did not mention possible causes or reasons of CSA, and possible steps that people could take to prevent CSA. About one-fifth of news reports provided statistics, research findings, or correct information to dispel myths or wrong public stereotypes about CSA. Inclusion of child helpline or contact information of any child welfare/support services was missing in most of the news reports. Conclusion: This is the first study to systematically assess the quality of news media reports on CSA in India. It provides valuable baseline information about existing media practices and helps in identifying areas for further improvement of media reporting on CSA. There is a need to conduct regular workshops with media professionals to provide them adequate training and support for improving media reporting of CSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The current study aimed to explore whether Internet gaming disorder (IGD) should be considered a subtype of generalised problematic Internet use (PIU) by assessing the degree of overlap between them and comparing their correlates. The sociodemographic profile and presence of depressive symptoms were studied as correlates for IGD and generalised PIU. Design and Methods: This was a self‐report survey administered online among medical students (n = 306). Finding: Less than half of the participants with IGD (45.45%; 5 out of 11) also met the criteria for generalised PIU. Only 6.67% (5 out of 75) of subjects with generalised PIU were also classified as having IGD. Male gender and time spent on digital gaming per day were associated with greater risk of IGD; whereas the time spent on Internet per day and more frequent use of the Internet for social networking rather than academic purposes were associated with greater risk of generalised PIU. The regression models built for IGD and generalised PIU were statistically significant (F = 64.10; P <.01 and F = 80.97; P <.01, respectively). The two models explained 66.1% and 57.4% of the variance in IGDS‐SF and GPIUS2 scores, respectively. Practice Implications: The IGD and generalised PIU appear to be conceptually distinct entities. The IGD should not be assumed as a subtype of generalised PIU. Thus, health care providers need to focus on IGD beyond and besides generalised PIU. There is a need to specifically enquire about IGD while screening for behavioural addictions involving use of Internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Aims: Non-fatal opioid overdose (NFOO) predicts future fatal opioid overdose and is associated with significant morbidity. There is limited literature on the rates and risk factors for NFOO in people who inject drugs (PWID) from India. We aimed to study the rates of NFOO and documented risk factors for NFOO, as well as knowledge-level of NFOO among PWID from India.Design and Methods: Community-based, cross-sectional and observational study. We interviewed 104 adult male participants receiving HIV prevention services. Drug use patterns, rates of NFOO and opioid overdose risk factors, knowledge about opioid overdose and its management were assessed.Results: The mean age of the participants was 27.9 years. The most common opioid used for injecting was heroin followed by buprenorphine. About 45% (n = 47) participants had experienced an opioid overdose at least once in their lifetime. Around 25% (n = 26) participants had overdosed in the past year, while 21% (n = 22) participants had overdosed within the past 3 months. The majority had risk factors that could predispose them to NFOO. No participant was aware of the use of naloxone for opioid overdose.Discussion and Conclusion: The rates of NFOO as well as risk factors for overdose among PWID from India are high, with poor knowledge on overdose management. There is urgent need for a program to prevent and manage opioid overdose among PWID in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]