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Substance use and its associated factors among school students
Parvesh Batra1, Anju Dhawan2, R M Pandey3
1Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
The National Medical Journal of India
|October 2, 2021
Summary
Substance use is prevalent among Delhi schoolchildren, with tobacco and alcohol being common. Family and peer substance use significantly increases a student's risk, highlighting the need for school-based interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Limited comprehensive data exists on substance use patterns and contributing factors among school students in Delhi, India.
- Adolescent substance use poses significant public health challenges globally and in India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of various substances used by school students in Delhi.
- To identify factors associated with substance use among this population.
Main Methods:
- A cluster sampling method was employed in two government schools in Delhi.
- 405 students from 8th, 9th, and 11th grades participated, completing the WHO Student Drug Use questionnaire.
- Data on past 12-month and lifetime substance use, as well as associated factors, were collected.
Main Results:
- Past 12-month prevalence rates were: tobacco (22%), alcohol (12.1%), cannabis (12.1%), and inhalants (8.6%).
- Family and peer substance use were significant predictors for tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use.
- Poor harm perception was linked to inhalant use.
Conclusions:
- Substance use is a significant issue among Delhi schoolchildren, necessitating targeted interventions.
- School-based psychosocial interventions are crucial for addressing cannabis and inhalant use.
- Referral to healthcare facilities is recommended for heroin users.
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