Citation

Raphael L, Raveendran R, Sajna MV. Int. J. Community Med. Public Health (Gujarat) 2017; 4(3): 747-751.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Medip Academy)

DOI

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20170752

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Substance abuse in various forms has been a social problem in various forms for many centuries. Kerala shows a high prevalence in alcoholism and is ranked top in India. This study is aimed at finding the prevalence and determinants of substance abuse among youth in central part of Kerala in South India.

METHODS: A community based study was done with 402 college student participants using a self- administered pretested semi structured questionnaire. Data was entered into microsoft excel and analysed using Epiinfo3.5.3.

RESULTS: Out of 402 students, 31.8% used or abused any one of the substances (alcohol, smoking, pan chewing) irrespective of time and frequency in lifetime. Age, gender, place of residence, attitude towards ban were significantly associated with substance abuse.

CONCLUSIONS: The alarming trend of substance abuse among the youth reveals the urgent need to curb the menace. Adolescent counselling sessions might ensure preventing such behaviour from being inculcated in early adolescence.

Language: en