Peer reported prevalence of substance and internet use among school-going adolescents
Journal Title: Kerala Journal of Psychiatry - Year 2018, Vol 31, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Adolescent substance use is an important public health problem because of its potential consequences on the growing brain. Problematic internet use is also a related phenomenon. The validity of self-report of substance and internet use is questionable in this population because of social desirability bias. Objective: To estimate the extent of gender-specific substance use and internet use among students of eighth to twelfth classes in an urban area in Ernakulam, Kerala based on the report of peers. Materials and methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted over one month in Kalamassery, Ernakulam District, Kerala. Information on the extent of substance and internet use among the students was obtained by a peer-reported, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire from all the students of classes eighth to twelfth of three randomly selected schools. Results: Data were collected from 278 school students (133 boys and 145 girls). Excessive Internet use was reported among 20% boys and 14% girls. Substances with high use among boys were nicotine (11.54%), cannabis (6.67%), solvent (5.88%) and alcohol (5.88%). Solvent use was reported among 2.77% of girls. Conclusion: Although the peer report survey has certain limitations, it can give early indications of student behaviours. The estimates obtained are nearer to self-reported substance use. The reported solvent use in the study is worth exploring
Authors and Affiliations
Amala J Kunnathoor, Diya P Albert Albert, Abhishek Nair, Vidhukumar K
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP646090
- DOI 10.30834/KJP.31.2.2019.139
- Views 97
- Downloads 0
Athiran (Movie Review)
NIL
Hey Jude - movie review
NIL
Somatic complaints and their relationship with depressive symptoms among adolescent girls: a cross-sectional study
Background: Physical symptoms of unknown etiology are common in children and adolescents. Adolescents suffer from depression in a similar way to adults. Objectives: Main objectives were to assess the somatic complaints...
Levetiracetam as a cause of delirium in elderly patient: A case report
Levetiracetam is a second generation anticonvulsant. Delirium is not a well-known adverse effect of the drug. We present the report of an 80-year-old woman with past history of schizophrenia for 45 years and memory impa...
Unusual/unconventional psychoactive substances of abuse
The use of unconventional substances of abuse has not been reported in detail in the medical literature. The users have found such new ways when encountered with nonavailability of substance of abuse or lack of money. Th...