Prevalence of Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders Among Adolescent Students in Upper Egypt

Abstract

Objective

The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and forms of psychoactive substances among adolescent students in Assiut Governorate, Egypt.

Methods

This study was cross sectional community survey conducted during academic year (2010-2011). The sample size was 5476 students from preparatory and secondary schools were subjected to a standardized questionnaire of substance misuse questionnaire of Egypt in an Arabic version and modified Arabic version of socioeconomic scale .

Results

22.9 % of sample stated that they used psychoactive substance. Substance use disorders in age group (12 – 16) was (50.0%), (> 16 – 19) was (49.68%), and (> 19) was (0.32%) . Males reported higher prevalence (94.59%) than females (5.41%). Substance use disorder was prevalent in Secondary Public schools (48.17%), Technical (24.84%), Preparatory (23.09%) and then Secondary Private (3.90%). Students from Rural areas reported higher prevalence (83.36%) than Urban areas (16.64%). Tobacco smoking in males (89.31%) and in females (98.53%), Marijuana (Hash)in males (5.56%), Alcohol in males (1.94%), Tramadol in males (1.60%), Marijuana (Bhang) in males (0.93%), Opium in males (0.34%)and in females (1.47%), Benzodiazepines (Clonazepam, Alprazolam)in males (0.25%),and lastly Amphetamine like (Foula) in males (0.08%). Recreational pattern (34.63%) that was higher in males than in females (36.20%−7.35%). Dependence was (28.50%) that was also higher in males than females.

Conclusion

Tobacco and Hashish were the major substance problem for most of Students, that needs to be addressed in treatment programs.