A Qualitative Study of Risk Factors of Substance Abuse among Women

The rate of substance abuse by women is growing over last several decades. However, most addiction studies have been conducted on men with a quantitative approach.

The present study examined the risk factors of addiction among women through qualitative research. This research was a content analysis. Sampling was done in a targeted manner from addicted women referred to substance abuse treatment centers in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in 2022. The research tool was an in-depth interview. The research data were analyzed by open coding, axial coding, and selective coding.

The research findings showed that the main categories are individual factors, family factors, socio-cultural factors and economic factors were effective in the incidence of substance abuse among women. In terms of priority, individual factors (41%), family factors (29%), socio-cultural factors (21%) and economic factors (9%) were effective in the incidence of substance addiction among women.

According to the results, it can be concluded that individual, family, socio-cultural and economic factors play a significant role in women's tendency to substance abuse. This requires providing training and solutions about these factors.