PREVALENCE OF PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USERS AT HUYE ISANGE REHABILITATION CENTER, RWANDA

Abstract: Psychoactive substances are possibly among the most threats to the world’s population. In 2021, over 180,000 deaths were directly associated to disorders due to psychoactive substances. In 2015, the magnitude of drug use among Rwandan youth was revealed to be high. This study intended to measure the magnitude of psychotic symptoms and associated factors among psychoactive substances users at HUYE ISANGE Rehabilitation Centre. Multi-variable binary logistic regression shown the following factors to have a significant association with occurrence of psychotic symptoms among psychoactive substances users: Respondents who were 36 years of age and above {AOR=2.561,95%CI: [2.647,5.287], P=0.021}, Users who were male {AOR=3.050, 95%CI: [1.705,3.445], P=0.037}, users consuming cannabis {AOR: 1.810, 95%CI: [1.596;2.807], P=0.028}, users consuming Heroin {AOR: 1.250, 95%CI: [1.603;3.325], P=0.031}and participants using multiple substance use {AOR=2.85,95% CI: [0.417-0.983], P=0.041}. As a result, the study found that prevalence among psychoactive substances users at HUYE ISANGE Rehabilitation Centre is high (78%) and factors like age, sex, type of drug and type of use were identified to be associated to occurrence of psychotic symptoms among psychoactive substance users. The high prevalence of psychotic symptoms among psychoactive substance users underscores a critical mental health and public health challenge. Interventions targeting high-risk groups, including early screening, mental health education, and integrated rehabilitation programs, are urgently needed to reduce the burden of substance-related psychosis and improve mental health outcomes in this population. Targeted interventions, including community awareness campaigns, mental health screening in rehabilitation programs, and further research among other substance users, are urgently needed. Keywords: Psychotic symptoms, Psychoactive substance use, Associated factors, Huye Isange Rehabilitation Centre. Title: PREVALENCE OF PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USERS AT HUYE ISANGE REHABILITATION CENTER, RWANDA Author: Damien Nsekeyimana, Dr Jean Damascène Iyamuremye, Dr Monica Mochama, Alexis Nduwamungu,, Janvier Ndayambaje International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026 Page No: 247-258 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 10-November-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17569927 Paper Download link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/prevalence-of-psychotic-symptoms-and-associated-factors-among-psychoactive-substance-users-at-huye-isange-rehabilitation-center-rwanda