The Attitude of High-School Students in Isfahan Province, Iran, Towards Addictive Substances, and Their Association With Social Determinants of Health Publisher

Summary: Study finds teens link drug abuse to depression and pleasure-seeking, with parental divorce and low self-esteem as key factors. #TeenHealth #SubstanceAbuse

Ansari H¹ ; Farajzadegan Z¹ ; Aldirani S² ; Heidari K³ ; Omidi R⁴ ; Amini Z¹ ; Jafarikoshki T⁵
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2018

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse in adolescence could affect this period of life, as well as individual rest life. In this research, we studied the attitude of high-school student towards drug abuse, and the effect of some social determinants of heath associated with it. Methods: 3223 high-school students residing Isfahan Province, Iran, in 2015 were included in the study. Data were collected using the researcher-made questionnaire of assessment of knowledge, attitude, and action of urban and rural high-school students in Isfahan Province. Findings: In students’ opinion, momentary tipsiness and depression were the side-effects of drug abuse. Divorce of parents, and seeking pleasure were the most important factors associated with inclination to drugs albeit scored higher by girls. Moreover, girls expressed inability in dealing with daily difficulties as a factor in tendency to drug abuse. Whereas, boys claimed that factors such as too free time, and inadequate recreational facilities were more important. Among social determinants of health, education level of parents, father’s job, and residential area had significant effects on tendency to drug abuse. Conclusion: Besides preventive and educational policies, policy makers and parents should pay attention to improving their children’s self-esteem and self-management abilities, and provide homes as favorable and welcome places for them. © 2018, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.