[Usage of psychoactive substances among adolescents in Tuzla Canton]

Prospective vertical cross-section study has been conducted with an aim to determine the prevalence for the consumption of the psycho-active substances and correlation between consumption and quality of life of sixteen year old adolescents in Tuzla Canton.

Cluster sample is used with a class as the main sample unit. Information were collected through anonymous questionnaires consisted of social-demographic questions, then questions related to the use and consumption of psycho-active substances, as well as of questions related to the quality of life of adolescents (content with family, friends, financial status, health status and personal self-content).

356 students are included in this survey. Almost half of examinees smoked cigarettes at least once in a life, and about 80% use alcoholic beverages. Marihuana is used by 7% of students. Boys lead in consumption of alcohol and marihuana in relation to girls (alcohol; P=0.001; marihuana; P=0.001). 10.9% of students used tranquilizers without the prescription of the relevant doctor and 2.2% students used tranquillizers with proper doctor's prescription. Common thing, related to the consumption and use of all three substances, was the fact that friends use it as well (tobacco p=0.31; alcohol p=0.36; marihuana p=0.44; P=0.001). There is also significant correlation between alcohol consumption of the parents and their children (father use alcohol p=0.22; mother use alcohol p=0.21; P=0.001). Discontent with family financial situation expressed 23% students. Low self-respect of the examinees is statistically significantly connected with the use of all three substances (marihuana p=0.17; p=0.001; alcohol p=0.13; P=0.05; tobacco p=0.11; P=0.05).

Important and significant factors for the prevention of this public and health problem are: good communication with parents, selection of friends, prevention of the psycho-active substances use by the parents, improvement of social and financial condition in the family.