Motives for New Psychoactive Substances Consumption among Young Adults in Uzbekistan: A Qualitative Study Protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Background

New psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a global problem, especially among young people. In Central Asia, while the trafficking in NPS continues to grow, there remains a lack of data on the social, health and psychological consequences of their use.

Aim

To investigate the motives behind the NPS use among young people in the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the medical and social characteristics of this group.

Methods

The study will include young people (18-35 years) who have used NPS in the preceeding 30 days (on the basis of self-reports) or are undergoing rehabilitation and plan to cease the NPS use within the next 12-18 months. Semi-structured interviews will reveal the reasons for NPS use, risk perception, stigma, barriers to seeking help, and the

SUBMITTER: Zakhidova G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12416561 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature