Cannabis Was the Most Used Drug in a Burkina Faso Prison, Including by First-Time Users

Cannabis was the primary drug used by prisoners (71.1% of in-prison users), followed by tramadol (62.2%), diazepam (13.3%), and cocaine (2.2%). Of 45 inmates who used drugs in prison, 15 (33.3%) first started using drugs while incarcerated. Pre-prison drug use was the strongest predictor of in-prison use (aOR=4.01), along with younger age.

Cross-sectional study of 379 prisoners in Ouagadougou central prison, selected via systematic random sampling. Face-to-face interviews collected data on substance use before and during incarceration. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with in-prison drug use.

This is the first study of drug use in prison in Burkina Faso. The finding that one-third of in-prison drug users first tried drugs while incarcerated challenges the idea that prison prevents drug use and instead suggests it can serve as a site of drug initiation.

Drug use in African prisons is understudied. This study reveals that even in a country with harsh drug penalties, cannabis is widely available in prisons. The repressive approach appears ineffective, with new users being created inside the very institutions meant to deter use.

Face-to-face interviews in prison grounds may lead to underreporting due to fear of consequences. No biological testing to confirm self-reported use. Single prison in one city. Cross-sectional design cannot track changes over time.