The magnitude of relapse after substance abuse and its influencing factors among rehabilitees who completed treatment at a rehabilitation center in tigray, Ethiopia

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Substance abuse is a significant public health concern. One of the key strategies for controlling drug abuse epidemics is rehabilitation. Although substance abuse rehabilitation institutions exist in Ethiopia, little is known about relapse rates. Therefore, this study aims to determine the magnitude of relapse and identify factors influencing it among individuals who have completed treatment at a rehabilitation center in Tigray of Ethiopia. <h3>Methods</h3> An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a rehabilitation center in Ethiopia in 2021. A systematic random sampling method was used to select rehabilitees, with every second individual included until the desired sample size of 176 was reached. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. Odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and statistical significance was set at a p-value of <0.05. <h3>Results</h3> The relapse rate following substance abuse rehabilitation was 73.3 % (129 out of 176 individuals). Factors significantly associated with relapse included being older than 30 years [AOR = 0.45, 95 % CI (0.21–0.97), p = 0.04], having a degree or higher educational status [AOR = 0.31, 95 % CI (0.13–0.74), p = 0.008], and rating the accommodation of the treatment center as medium [AOR = 0.14, 95 % CI (0.19–0.96), p = 0.046] or high [AOR = 0.29, 95 % CI (0.02–0.96), p = 0.045]. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The relapse rate among rehabilitees was high. Protective factors against relapse included being over 30 years of age, having a degree or higher educational attainment, and rating the treatment center's accommodation as medium or high. We recommend that rehabilitation centers prioritize support for individuals under 30 years of age and those with lower educational levels to reduce relapse risk.