Substance Use & Misuse · 2006 · 25 citations · 14 references
Social SciencesBehavioral SciencesPreventive MedicineAdolescent DevelopmentAdolescent HealthSubstance Use PreventionAdolescent PsychopathologyPeer InfluencePeer PressureSubstance Abuse PreventionSubstance UseSubstance-related DisordersDrug Use By AdolescentsLogistic Regression AnalysisPeer Influence On Substance UseProtective Factor AssessmentProtective Factor IdentificationResistance To Peer PressureSubstance Use In AdolescenceYouth Substance Use Prevention
The use of psychotropic substances in adolescents represents a serious public health problem. In this study a representative sample of 485 Austrian students between 14 and 18 years of age were investigated with a semistructured interview about substance-related issues and completed the general health questionnaire. The following rates of regular psychotropic substance use were found: cigarettes 41.4%, alcohol 44.5%, cannabis 10.1%, and other illicit substances 3%. Logistic regression analyses and structural equation modeling revealed the following major risk factors for substance use: peer pressure, negative family atmosphere, school difficulties, and psychopathology. Knowledge about substance use acted as a protective factor. Prevention of adolescent substance use and misuse should aim at these different targets. Information about coping with peer pressure may be a particularly promising route of intervention.
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