Volume 10, Issue 1 (Spring 2008)
Advances in Cognitive Sciences 2008, 10(1): 58-67 |
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Abstract: (2154 Views)
Objective: Adolescent substance abuse potentially holds a number of negative implications for the health and well being of the individual. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence rate of the abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol and to determine the associated factors among second grade male high school students in the city of Tabriz, Iran.
Method: 1375 male high school students in Tabriz were selected using random cluster sampling method and were examined twice with a one year gap (in two subsequent grades). In the beginning of the study (March 2005) the students completed a self-administered questionnaire with 48 questions. After one year (March 2006) a 10-question questionnaire was presented to the same students who were then in the third grade, to determine the incidence rate of illicit drug and alcohol abuse. Factors associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol was examined using logistic regression.
Results: In the course of one year 10.1% and 2.2% of the students had experienced a rise in the use of alcohol and illicit drugs respectively. Having experience with smoking cigarettes, transmission in different stages of cigarette smoking, a general risk-taking behavior, experience with a variety of illicit drugs and not having a plan to enter the university were associated with the use of alcohol among the students. Having a general risk-taking behavior and an experience of alcohol consumption was associated with the use of illicit drugs.
Conclusion: This study showed a low prevalence but a high incidence of substance abuse among adolescents as well as some associated factors. This study may support interventions that target multiple risk-taking behaviors.
Method: 1375 male high school students in Tabriz were selected using random cluster sampling method and were examined twice with a one year gap (in two subsequent grades). In the beginning of the study (March 2005) the students completed a self-administered questionnaire with 48 questions. After one year (March 2006) a 10-question questionnaire was presented to the same students who were then in the third grade, to determine the incidence rate of illicit drug and alcohol abuse. Factors associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol was examined using logistic regression.
Results: In the course of one year 10.1% and 2.2% of the students had experienced a rise in the use of alcohol and illicit drugs respectively. Having experience with smoking cigarettes, transmission in different stages of cigarette smoking, a general risk-taking behavior, experience with a variety of illicit drugs and not having a plan to enter the university were associated with the use of alcohol among the students. Having a general risk-taking behavior and an experience of alcohol consumption was associated with the use of illicit drugs.
Conclusion: This study showed a low prevalence but a high incidence of substance abuse among adolescents as well as some associated factors. This study may support interventions that target multiple risk-taking behaviors.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2007/10/11 | Accepted: 2007/12/24 | Published: 2008/03/20
Received: 2007/10/11 | Accepted: 2007/12/24 | Published: 2008/03/20
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