Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control System in Ethiopia: A National Survey

Introduction Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic substances (NPS) play an indispensable role in health care despite their misuse could jeopardize the health of the people and the health system. The study presents a comprehensive assessment of NPS control system in Ethiopia, aiming to elucidate its regulatory landscape, challenges, and opportunities. By integrating both quantitative and qualitative data, the study offers a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing NPS control system in the country. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional mixed study design was employed among 1199 study participants and 26 key informants in Ethiopia from April 14 to May 30, 2022. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select study participants, and purposive sampling technique was used to select the key informants. The quantitative data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire whereas semi-structured questionnaire was used for in-depth interviews. Descriptive analysis was used for quantitative data analysis, and thematic analysis method was used for qualitative data. Results Findings from the qualitative analysis reveal significant gaps in the implementation of NPS laws and regulations, particularly in terms of enforcement and coordination. Structural deficiencies, stakeholder collaboration challenges, and communication gaps were identified as key barriers to effective NPS control. The quantitative survey provided detailed insights into the operational aspects of NPS management, highlighting areas for improvement such as reporting practices, storage methods, and dispensing protocols. Conclusions There are considerable gaps in the NPS control system in Ethiopia. The study underscores the importance of addressing the identified challenges to optimize NPS control efforts and safeguard public health in Ethiopia. Hence, necessary measures at all levels must be taken to strengthen the NPS control system in Ethiopia.