A Cross Sectional Study on Prevalence and Determinants of Substance Abuse among College Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/p3tt9093Keywords:
Substance abuse, College students, Cross sectional study.Abstract
Background: Substance abuse in India continues to be a major problem for both individuals and society. Substance abuse refers to hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including smoking, alcohol and illicit drugs. Substance abuse can lead to dependence syndrome-a cluster of behavioral, cognitive and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated use of substances like alcohol and tobacco.
Objectives:
To find out the prevalence and determinants of substance abuse among college students and assess the awareness regarding treatment of substance abuse among them.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 200 college students randomly selected from different colleges in Ongole from April to May 2022. Data was collected by using pre-tested semi structured questionnaires after taking informed consent from study participants. p- value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Prevalence of substance abuse was 34%, and the common substances abused were alcohol, smoking, ganja and gutka. Major determinants were experimentation followed by peer pressure and family influence. Hostel stay, socio economic status and professional courses are found to be statistically significant for substance abuse .
Conclusions: Substance abuse is a rampant problem globally. Proper awareness has to be provided regarding substance abuse to children by family and teachers right from a young age to prevent increased incidence of substance abuse.
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