Spatial Epidemiology of Drug Addiction and Associated Risk Factors Among Adults in Capital Territory of Pakistan: A Case-Control Study in Islamabad

Drug addiction is now an intricate problem globally which affects people, families and communities across the globe. In Pakistan's capital territory, it is important to understand spatial epidemiology and related risk factors of drug addiction in order to develop targeted prevention and intervention strategies. This study seeks to identify the spatial distribution of drug addiction cases, as well as the associated risk factors among adult population in the Capital Territory of Pakistan. A case-control quantitative design was employed in which data were collected from 216 patients at six drug addiction rehabilitation centers of Capital territory of Pakistan over a period of six months. A structured questionnaire was used for both control and case groups. The results from spatial analysis indicated significant hot spots in central area of capital territory of Pakistan with 95% confidence level (Z-score >1.4, p < 0.2 )showed high prevalence while peripheral areas were not statistically significant (Zscore 0.75) showed low prevalence of drug addiction. Logistic regression showed that gender (p >0.05) and employment status (p >0.05) did not significantly predict drug addiction whereas age group had significant negative correlation (p<0.05). Legal issues proved to be a significant positive predictor with odds ratio of 11.428 (p<0 .001), the quality of family relationships was a major protective factor against drug addiction (B = -4.371, p < 0.001, odds ratio = 0.013). In addition, the psychological state showed potential correlation with drug addiction (p = 0.050, odds ratio = 2.886). This means that there is spatial clustering of drug addiction in the central region of capital territory of Pakistan. Key risk factors identified include age, legal challenges, psychological problems and strained family relationships The findings indicate that strategies for curbing drug addiction must be focused on high prevalence zones while at the same time tackling legal and related family obligations to reduce its likelihood among users.