Epidemiology of illicit drug use disorders in Iran: prevalence, correlates, comorbidity and service utilization results from the Iranian Mental Health Survey

Background and aims Drug abuse is a significant social and public health problem in Iran. The present study aimed to provide prevalence estimates and information on correlates of illicit drug use disorder and opioid dependence, as well as service use for these disorders in Iran. Design, setting and participants This report is based on the Iranian household Mental Health Survey (IranMHS) conducted in 2011. A three‐stage probability sampling was employed. Face‐to‐face interviews by trained psychologists were carried out with a nationally representative sample of 7841 individuals (3366 men and 4475 women) aged 15–64 years. Measurements The Composite International Diagnostic Interview and questionnaires for socio‐demographic correlates and service use. Findings The prevalence of 12‐month use disorders for any illicit drug according to DSM‐IV and DSM‐5 criteria were 2.09% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.70–2.47%] and 2.44% (95% CI = 2.03–2.85%), respectively. Opioid use disorders, and opium in particular, were the most common use disorder. The odds of drug use disorders were greater in men than in women, in previously married participants than in currently or never married participants, and in participants with lower socio‐economic status than in those with higher socio‐economic status (all P‐values