Publication:

Prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents in a higher secondary school in Thiruvananthapuram district

Background Adolescence is a promising stage in life when the child matures into an adult. A period of sudden and rapid physiological, psychological and behavioural change. Substance abuse is one of the major challenges confronting adolescents. Objectives were to find out the prevalence and determinants of substance abuse among school students in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of a higher secondary school in Thiruvananthapuram district. A cluster sampling method based on sections of classes in schools was used to conduct the study. Data was collected using a self- administered pretested semi structured questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 27.

Results Among the 92 students, 63 (68.5 %) were males and 29 (31.5 %) were females. Of the study participants 14 (15.2%) had a history of substance usage and all of them were male students. Most commonly substance abused was alcohol 85.7% followed by tobacco 42.8%. According to the study most common reason for first attempt was found as curiosity (64%). A significant association was found between parents with a habit of substance use and substance use among adolescents (p<0.05).

Conclusions Our study provides information on the prevalence of substance use among students, but the small sample size limits its generalizability. The identification of risk factors associated with substance use provides valuable insights for developing school-based prevention and intervention programs.