Prevalence of Substance Abuse and Its Factors...

Prevalence of Substance Abuse and Its Factors among Adolescents

Author Name : Mrs Ansu Maliyaka

Background One of the major adolescents issue of substance use or substance abuse is a great concern due to the increased magnitude of illicit drugs, alcohol,and tobacco.Many experience poor academic performance in early onset and eventually lead to suicidal tendencies,substance use disorders and end up with psychiatric comorbidities. Aims This study aimed to estimate prevalence of multiple substance use among adolescents and to determine the associated factors. Setting Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted in selected higher secondary schools of Central Kerala. 329 adolescents aged between 15 to 18 years were screened using WHO ASSIST tool for substance abuse demographic proforma questionnairealong with associated factorsand Rosenberg self esteem scale. The prevalence rates and risk assessment and association with demographic variables was analysed using R software.