Key result
Substance abuse is linked to higher errors and lower correct scores on visual retention tests.
Why the study?
Does substance abuse impair visuographic function in an Arabian Gulf population?
Cross-Sectional (n=168)
Does substance abuse impair visuographic function in an Arabian Gulf population?
Substance abuse, including heroin, alcohol, and polydrug use, is associated with impaired visuographic function in an Arabian Gulf population, consistent with findings in Western populations.
Supports visuographic screening in substance users from this population; extends Western observations but leaves causal inference open.
The effect of substance abuse on visuographic functions was investigated by comparing 4 groups from an Arabian Gulf population: 63 heroin abusers, 14 alcohol abusers, 43 polydrug abusers, and 48 control subjects. The visuographic function was evaluated using Benton's Revised Visual Retention Test. Analysis of covariance yielded an over-all group effect on both number correct and errors. Assessment of significance of differences between groups showed that the polydrug-abusing group and the heroin-abusing group scored significantly lower than the nonabusing group on number correct. All 3 substance-abusing groups scored significantly higher than the non-abusing group on errors, which seems a better predictor of cognitive impairment. Classification of subjects on the basis of their scores on the Benton test showed that a significant proportion of subjects in each substance-abusing group were classified as impaired. It is concluded that the present findings were consistent with prior reports for European and American subjects.
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Amir et al. (1994) conducted a cross-sectional in Substance abuse (n=168). Substance abuse (heroin, alcohol, polydrug) vs. Non-abusing control subjects was evaluated on Visuographic function (number correct and errors on Benton's Revised Visual Retention Test). Substance abuse (heroin, alcohol, polydrugs) was associated with significantly higher errors and lower correct scores on the Benton's Revised Visual Retention Test compared to controls.
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