Prevalence of Substance Use Among Students of Senior Secondary Schools in the Tribal Sub-plan Area of Rajasthan
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Adolescent substance use, particularly tobacco and alcohol, is prevalent in Rajasthan
Area Of Science
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Substance Use Research
Background
- Adolescent substance use poses significant risks to physical, mental, and cognitive well-being.
- Limited data exists on substance use among students in Rajasthan's Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) areas, despite unique socio-economic and cultural influences.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose Of The Study
- To assess knowledge and attitudes towards substance use among senior secondary students in TSP areas.
- To determine the prevalence of substance use and specific substance types in this population.
- To identify factors influencing substance use initiation.
Main Methods
- A cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 senior secondary students (grades 9-12) in Rajasthan's TSP areas.
- Data was collected using a structured, validated questionnaire on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to substance use.
- Self-reported responses were analyzed to determine prevalence and associated factors.
Main Results
- The prevalence of substance use was 12.3%, with tobacco (91.9%) and alcohol (75%) being the most common.
- Peer pressure was the primary driver for initiation, followed by tradition and curiosity.
- Of substance abusers, 75% recognized harm and desired to quit, with 43.7% willing to join de-addiction programs.
Conclusions
- Substance abuse, especially tobacco and alcohol, is a significant issue among adolescents in Rajasthan's TSP areas.
- A considerable proportion of young substance users are motivated to quit and seek rehabilitation.
- Interventions should address peer pressure and leverage the willingness for de-addiction programs.
Related Concept Videos
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not...
Psychoactive drugs impact brain function, influencing perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, and behavior. These substances are grouped based on their effects and the mechanisms by which they act.
Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine enhance brain activity, leading to increased alertness, attention, and energy. These drugs typically raise heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. While they can induce feelings of euphoria, their misuse can result in severe health...
Post-marketing surveillance is a critical component of pharmaceutical regulation, often uncovering unanticipated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) once a drug is widely used over an extended period.
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...

