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 116
- Downloads 0
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