Mohammad Hozoori - PhD, Nutritional Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Shahram Arsang-Jang - MSc, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatics, School of Public Health, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Nasrin Ghanbari-Nekou - BSc, Student Research Committee, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Azadeh Marzban - MSc, Nutritional Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

Background: Substance abuse has significant impact on nutritional status. Dueto the increased malnutrition during drug use and withdrawal, this study aimed atassessing the anthropometric indices in individuals referring to drug treatmentcenters in Qom. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 329 addictedindividuals referring to addiction centers in Qom were randomly selected. Aquestionnaire was used with three parts including demographic characteristics,drug abuse history, and anthropometric indices including measurement of height,weight, waist circumference, arm circumference, and skinfold thickness intriceps and calf muscles. Results: The participants consisted of 328 men andonly one woman, 29% of whom were in detoxification. The participants meanage was 39.0 ± 7.1 years. The first and most-frequently used drug was opium.All anthropometric indices were associated with the consumption of opiumsubstances and drug use was associated significantly with some parameters. Withthe exception of skinfold thickness in the calf, all the indices were affected bythe type of consumed substances. The opium addicts had a higher body massindex compared with other drug users. Conclusions: Due to the importance ofnutrition status in drug abusers health and their lack of self-care, carefulmonitoring and evaluation of dietary intake, as well as nutrition status can playimportant roles in the rehabilitation of these individuals and help to prevent fromreappearance of these habits.

Addiction; Anthropometric indices; Nutritional assessment; Heroin