The Relationship between Substance Abuse, Tobacco, and Alcohol Consumption and Socioeconomic Status among Participants in the Fasa PERSIAN Cohort Study

Background & Objectives: Contemporary societies are increasingly affected by the adverse consequences of substance abuse, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, which have profound impacts on various economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions of communities. This study aims to examine the relationship between substance abuse, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption in relation to the socioeconomic status of participants in the Fasa PERSIAN Cohort Study. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study encompassed approximately 10,000 individuals aged over 35 years from the Sheshdeh and Qarah Bolagh regions of Fasa (southern Iran), who were enrolled between 2012 and 2017 through a comprehensive census approach. The research utilized data from the Fasa Cohort Center at Fasa University of Medical Sciences. With the cooperation of the Research Deputy, data were obtained from general information questionnaires and medical information forms completed by attendees at the Fasa Cohort Center, and subsequently analyzed in collaboration with a statistical consultant. Results: The total number of participants in this study was 10,138, comprising 4,580 men (45.2%) and 5,558 women (54.8%). Among the participants, 9,014 (88.9%) were married, while 375 (3.7%) were single. Only 212 individuals (2.1%) reported alcohol consumption. Additionally, 7,779 participants (76.7%) reported no substance abuse, while 2,356 (23.2%) reported substance use. Furthermore, 1,942 individuals (19.1%) were tobacco smokers. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between socioeconomic status and alcohol consumption (P = .01). Similarly, a statistically significant difference was observed between socioeconomic status and substance abuse (P = .04). Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate a significant relationship between socioeconomic status and variables such as alcohol consumption and substance abuse. Based on the results of this study and previous research, it can be concluded that while the factors identified in the present investigation are important, a complex interplay of individual, familial, social, cultural, economic, and other factors influences the propensity for substance abuse