Knowledge and awareness of harmful effect of substance abuse among users and non-users: a cross-sectional study from Bari Imam.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of substance abuse among adult population of Nurpur Shahan and assess the participants' knowledge and awareness regarding substance abuse.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the households of Nurpur Shahaan, adjacent to Bari Imam on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan, during January 2010. A structured questionnaire was used and 200 adults of ages 18 and above were assessed about their awareness of substance abuse, its social effects and health hazards.