Prevalence of Substance use in Relation to Criminal Behavior Patterns among Prison Inmates in Karachi: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of licit and illicit substance use among male and female prisoners of
Karachi jails, and the association between substance use and the type of crime committed.
Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted among male and female prisoners in Malir and Central
Jail, Karachi, Pakistan from April 2020 to September 2020.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 700 males and females aged 18-60 from Central and
Malir Jail, Karachi, Pakistan. The sample population was selected using a convenience sampling technique. The
prevalence and type of substance use were assessed using the WHO Questionnaire. Chi-square was applied to
identify the association between drug use and criminal profile.
Results: Male prisoners were more likely to have ever used tobacco compared with females (91.5% vs 34.0%)
followed by cannabis (55.0% vs 2.0%) and opioids (25.8% vs 2.0%). Overall, current substance use during
imprisonment was relatively less than lifetime use of substance before imprisonment. However, the types of
substance used remained unchanged. During imprisonment, Tobacco was currently the most common
substance of use among males (85.2%) and females (27%). A significant association was observed between ever
drug use and type of crime committed (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The current study demonstrated a higher prevalence of lifetime substance use compared to the
prevalence of current substance use; however, the type of drugs was not specified. However, the type of drug
use remained consistent. A predominant consumption of tobacco, cannabis, and opiates was found among
male prisoners, and high consumption of tobacco was found among female prisoners. Respectively, 95.1% and
91.6% of inmates imprisoned for drug-related crimes and unlicensed weapons were drug users.

How to cite this: Jamal M, Waheed S, Shakoor A. Prevalence of Substance use in Relation to Criminal Behavior Patterns among Prison Inmates in Karachi: A Cross-Sectional Study. Life and Science. 2025; 6(2): 202-210. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.899