Substance dependency in Iranian patients with hemophilia.

Aims: The prevalence and predisposing factors of substance dependency in 100 Iranian hemophilic patients were investigated.

Measurements: A confidential questionnaire and DSM-IV criteria were used. Data were gathered from 100 randomly selected hemophilic patients.

Results: The mean age of studied patients was 23.42+/-9.67 years, ranging from 12 to 74 years. The rate of substance dependency was high in hemophilic patients (39%), particularly while comparing with normal population. Prevalence of substance dependency was significantly related to age, marital status, number of family members, and being another substance-dependent in the family. Intensity of disease and its associated physical problems were not the main factors moving the patients toward substance dependency. Release of tension and enjoyment were the leading reasons for substance dependency. The nicotine was the most prevalent form of used substance.

Conclusions: The high rate of substance dependency among Iranian hemophilic patients is expected due to the characteristics of disease, loss of psychiatric supports and treatment facilities and the geographic locality of the country.