Patterns of Drug Abuse and Spatial Distribution of Drug-Related Deaths in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani Provinces: A Retrospective Descriptive Study, 2023

Abstract

Background: Over the past decade, drug abuse has remained a critical public health concern in Thailand. However, a pattern of drug use and the geographic distribution of drug-related deaths have not been well studied, particularly in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani provinces. These provinces have shown a high prevalence of drug distribution.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the patterns of drug abuse and spatial distribution among drug-related deaths in Nonthaburi Province and selected areas of Pathum Thani Province during 2023.

Material and methods : This study employed a retrospective descriptive design. A total of 205 cases were systematically sampled from autopsy records and forensic toxicology results obtained from the Central Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, between January 1 and December 31, 2023.

Results: The majority of the deceased were male (80.5%), with a mean age of 40.9 years. Most of them were employed as laborers (58.5%). Benzodiazepines were the most frequently detected drugs (54.1%), followed by methamphetamines (32.7%), with 19.9% showing polydrug use. Urban districts such as Mueang Pathum Thani, Mueang Nonthaburi, and Pak Kret exhibited the highest rates of drug-related deaths involving benzodiazepines, along with more complex patterns of poly-drug use. In contrast, suburban areas like Sam Khok, Lat Lum Kaeo, and Sai Noi more commonly showed cases involving single-substance methamphetamines use.

Conclusion: This study highlights the differences in patterns of drug use across areas. These findings emphasize the need for area-specific drug surveillance and targeted prevention strategies.