Original scientific paper

PREVALENCE OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ŽUPANJA

Marijana Delić ; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dragan Babić ; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina &Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina *
Darjan Franjić ; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances is a serious and difficult problem in many countries of the world, and is taking on epidemic proportions, especially in the youth population. Disorders caused by the psychoactive substance us e include a wide range of disorders. Experts are finding it increasingly difficult to monitor the possible consequences that drugs can cause in the human body.
Aim: To examine the prevalence of the psychoactive substance use among high school students in Županja.
Respondents and methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted during May 2023. The first group of respondents consisted of 115 students of the third and fourth grades of the Županja Grammar School, while the second group consisted of 100 student s of the third and fourth grades of the Županja Vocational School. The research instrument was a standardised internationally agreed questionnaire "European Research in Schools on Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Pupils" (2011). European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD).
Results: A statistically significant number of respondents has never used cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, adhesives and other solvents. Respondents from the Vocational School used cigarettes on a larger scale daily, while Grammar school students started smoking at an older age. In the last 12 months, when compared to the Vocational School students, a higher percentage of Grammar School students have used adhesives and other solvents. Grammar School students experimented with "drugs" in a higher proportion due to curiosity.
Conclusion: The prevalence of the psychoactive substance use among high school youth in Županja is at a satisfactory low level.

Keywords

psychoactive substances; students; secondary school

Hrčak ID:

317546

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/317546

Publication date:

28.5.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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