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Purpose of Review <p>This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) aimed to consolidate and quantify the global burden of NPS use across different time periods, substance categories, populations, and geographic regions. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 60,837 records published till January 2024 was performed as per pre-registered review protocol (PROSPERO id: CRD420250640168). Pooled prevalence estimates were derived using a random-effects model for NPS categories based on UNODC classifications.</p> Recent Findings <p>A total of 190 studies with 238,402,956 participants were analyzed. Based on pooled life-time prevalence, synthetic cannabinoids (14.9%, 95% CI:9.7%- 20.9%), synthetic cathinones (7.1%, 95% CI: 2.9% − 12.9%), and phencyclidine-type substances (12.9%%, 95% CI: 8.3%- 18.4%) were the most widely used NPS. These pooled estimates reflect study-level prevalence within included populations and should not be interpreted as representative of population-level NPS use or temporal trends. A substantial number of studies (43/190) failed to identify the exact chemical class of NPS and reported the prevalence of non-specific NPS, for which the pooled prevalence was computed. Most of the studies were from Western developed countries. Higher NPS use was observed among young individuals, males, and individuals with co-morbid psychiatric or substance use disorders, incarcerated persons, and rave party or nightclub attendees.</p> Summary <p>NPS use patterns vary by geographical region and substance category. Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones were the most frequently reported NPS classes, although many studies reported non-specific NPS use without identifying the exact chemical class. Evidence is predominantly drawn from Western developed countries, with limited or absent data from Africa and South Asia. The findings highlight the need for having standardized international surveillance guided by the prevailing pattern of NPS use, employing enhanced detection methods, and implementation of targeted, regionspecific prevention and harm reduction strategies. </p>

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Prevalence of Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Use Across Different Geographical Regions of the World: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月23日

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  • Akanksha Jayant Rajguru,
  • Yashita Ahluwalia,
  • Swarndeep Singh,
  • Siddharth Sarkar,
  • Yatan Pal Singh Balhara

摘要

Purpose of Review

This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) aimed to consolidate and quantify the global burden of NPS use across different time periods, substance categories, populations, and geographic regions. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 60,837 records published till January 2024 was performed as per pre-registered review protocol (PROSPERO id: CRD420250640168). Pooled prevalence estimates were derived using a random-effects model for NPS categories based on UNODC classifications.

Recent Findings

A total of 190 studies with 238,402,956 participants were analyzed. Based on pooled life-time prevalence, synthetic cannabinoids (14.9%, 95% CI:9.7%- 20.9%), synthetic cathinones (7.1%, 95% CI: 2.9% − 12.9%), and phencyclidine-type substances (12.9%%, 95% CI: 8.3%- 18.4%) were the most widely used NPS. These pooled estimates reflect study-level prevalence within included populations and should not be interpreted as representative of population-level NPS use or temporal trends. A substantial number of studies (43/190) failed to identify the exact chemical class of NPS and reported the prevalence of non-specific NPS, for which the pooled prevalence was computed. Most of the studies were from Western developed countries. Higher NPS use was observed among young individuals, males, and individuals with co-morbid psychiatric or substance use disorders, incarcerated persons, and rave party or nightclub attendees.

Summary

NPS use patterns vary by geographical region and substance category. Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones were the most frequently reported NPS classes, although many studies reported non-specific NPS use without identifying the exact chemical class. Evidence is predominantly drawn from Western developed countries, with limited or absent data from Africa and South Asia. The findings highlight the need for having standardized international surveillance guided by the prevailing pattern of NPS use, employing enhanced detection methods, and implementation of targeted, regionspecific prevention and harm reduction strategies.