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Drug use among Croatian students.
A Hotujac1, M Sagud, L Hotujac
1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia.
Collegium Antropologicum
|July 15, 2000
Summary
Drug use is prevalent among Croatian high school students, with cannabis being the most common. A significant portion of students have been offered drugs and would accept them if available, indicating high drug accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Drug use among adolescents is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding drug prevalence and attitudes is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research indicates varying patterns of substance use in European youth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of drug use among Croatian high school students.
- To assess adolescent attitudes towards drug availability and use.
- To identify the most commonly used drugs in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous, self-report questionnaire with 23 items administered to high school students.
- Study conducted in a middle-class high school in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Data collected from 273 student participants.
Main Results:
- 69 out of 273 students (approximately 25%) reported past drug use.
- Cannabis was identified as the most frequently used illicit substance.
- One-third of students reported being offered drugs, and 41% would accept if offered.
Conclusions:
- Drug availability appears to be high among Croatian high school students.
- A potential for a significant increase in drug users in Croatia is anticipated based on current trends.
- Findings highlight the need for evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies for adolescent drug use.