Abstract
Background: Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), particularly methamphetamine and tablets sold as “Captagon,” are increasingly visible in the Near and Middle East, but evidence from Iraq remains fragmented.
Objective: To summarize reported ATS prevalence across Iraqi populations, patterns of use, associated factors, and physical and psychosocial consequences; map the study designs, populations, and geographic areas represented in the literature; and identify evidence gaps relevant to surveillance, prevention, treatment, and policy.
Method: We conducted a scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute guidance and PRISMA-ScR. PubMed/MEDLINE, Lens.org, Google Scholar, Iraqi and regional databases, institutional repositories, and grey-literature sources were searched in English and Arabic without date restrictions. Two reviewers independently screened records, charted data, and completed design-specific critical appraisals. Findings were synthesized descriptively by population, geography, and evidence domain.
Results: Of 1,985 records, 56 unique study units were included; 44 (78.6%) were published during 2024–2026. Case-control (25/56) and cross-sectional (20/56) designs predominated. Most studies involved clinical, treatment-seeking, or rehabilitation populations (38/56), and evidence was concentrated in Baghdad (25/56). Crystal methamphetamine was the principal ATS category in 23/56 studies. Health consequences were the most represented domain (36/56), while representative epidemiology, female-specific research, longitudinal evidence, and intervention evaluations remained limited.
Conclusion: Iraqi ATS research has expanded rapidly, but population-level evidence remains sparse and geographically uneven. Priorities include representative surveillance, standardized ATS exposure measurement, studies involving underrepresented populations, and rigorous evaluation of prevention and treatment approaches.
| Intend to be published in the IJPS ? | NO |
|---|---|
| Has the manuscript been published | not published |
