PREVALENCE OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ŽUPANJA

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 use 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 students 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.