Substance abuse among male adolescents in northern India

Authors

  • Faizur Rahman Departments of Pediatrics, MRA Medical College, Ambedkarnagar, UP, India
  • V.N. Tripathi Departments of Pediatrics, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, UP, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20160837

Keywords:

Substance abuse, Adolescents

Abstract

Background: The rising burden of substance abuse among adolescents is a major public health challenge worldwide. The present study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents in Kanpur.

Methods: This community based, cross-sectional study was conducted in among 539 male adolescents in the age group 10-18 years using simple random sampling. A pre-tested and pre-designed schedule was used to collect the relevant information after taking informed consent. The data was analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: Substance abuse was found among 15.02% male adolescents. Smoking was prevalent among 10.95%, alcohol was used by 3.34% and other drugs were used by 0.75% male adolescents. There was an increase in prevalence of substance abuse with the increase in age.  

Conclusions: It is important to strengthen health education on substance abuse among the adolescents age group through mass media and school health programs.

References

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Published

2016-12-28

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Section

Original Research Articles