The nature and prevalence of substance use in a forensic population v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The nature and prevalence of substance use in a forensic population and an evaluation of its role in recall to hospital.
IRAS ID
218085
Contact name
Hina Akram
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2017/02/33 health research, UCL Data Protection Registration
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The aims of this project are to determine the nature and prevalence of substance use in a forensic population and its association with recall to hospital. Current research shows that there is an increased prevalence of substance use, in its broadest definition, in this population as well as an association with violent behaviour in the general population. However, there has been limited research on the exact nature of this substance use, e.g. type, quantity, frequency and on the psychological factors associated with it. In addition, there has been different findings in the relation to substance use in the forensic population and adverse outcomes such as recall to hospital. A quasi-experimental design will be used to analyse substance use and associated factors in two groups, those who are currently detained in hospital having been recalled and those currently living in the community having never been recalled. It will evaluate substance use at different time-points, using retrospective self-report, as well as assessing associated social and psychological factors. Alongside this it will compare case note records of historical substance use, clinician rated and results of previously collected biological measures, to self-report from the participants at interview. This project will provide important information about the complex relationship between substance use, mental health and offending behaviour. It represents an important step towards a better understanding of the particular substance use and patterns of use that are associated with adverse outcomes which can then inform substance use treatment in forensic services.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0867
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jul 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion