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Session: Let's Focus on Healthy Dietary Components and Overall Healthy Dietary Pattern: Health Implications and Technology-Supported Tools for Assessment and Interventions (Poster Theater Flash Session 14)

(PTFS14-04-24) Comprehensive Nutritional Deficiencies and Health Risks in Street Youth Using Drugs

Monday, July 1, 2024
10:12 AM – 10:16 AM CT
Location:  Hall F1 (The Hub) - Poster Theater

    Presenting Author(s)

  • MA

    Muhammad Ali, NA

    Researcher
    Habib University
    Karachi, Alabama, United States

    Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • HJ

    Humaira Jamshed, PhD

    Assistant Professor
    Habib University
    Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Objectives: Despite the growing body of research on substance abuse, the specific nutritional deficiencies and health risks faced by street youth who use drugs remain underexplored. This demographic experiences unique challenges that are compounded by systemic barriers to accessing nutritious food and health services, which further exacerbates their vulnerability to chronic diseases and poor health outcomes. The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritional status, dietary intake, and health risks of street youth using drugs compared with age-matched healthy controls.

Methods: Utilizing the mixed-methods design, this study compared 12 drug-using street youth and 12 healthy controls. Quantitative assessments included health metrics, body composition, and dietary intake. Qualitative insights were gathered through interviews and focus groups, exploring dietary behaviors and systemic barriers to food access.

Results: Drug-using youth exhibited significantly compromised nutritional and health parameters: BMI (16.5 ± 0.71 vs. 24.06 ± 3.45), body fat (9.42% vs. 21.92%), muscle mass (43.68% vs. 41.42%), and total caloric intake (653.5 ± 255 kcal vs. 2231 ± 296 kcal). Notably, their dietary intake was markedly lower in proteins (21 ± 9 g vs. 102 ± 27 g), carbohydrates (77 ± 31 g vs. 264 ± 173 g), and fats (27 ± 13 g vs. 107 ± 32 g), alongside essential nutrients like fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin A, D, and C. Qualitative findings highlighted the prioritization of drug use over food, influenced by addiction-driven appetite loss and financial limitations.

Conclusions: Street youth using drugs face severe nutritional deficiencies and health risks, exacerbated by socio-economic challenges and systemic barriers to nutritious food access. Targeted nutritional interventions and comprehensive support systems are urgently needed to address these disparities.

Funding Sources: None