Prevalence of alcohol and drug consumption and knowledge of drug/alcohol-related sexual assaults among Italian adolescents
Journal Title: Journal of Health and Social Sciences - Year 2016, Vol 1, Issue 3
Abstract
Introduction: Alcohol is the most widely used substance among adolescents, exceeding the use of tobacco and illicit drugs. The study aims at investigating the prevalence of alcohol and drug use and prevalence and knowledge of Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) among Italian adolescents. Methods: The study population was a sample of 512 students of secondary education (high school) from 3 public schools in Milan, Italy. Two hundred and fourty-nine boys and 263 girls aged 15 to 21 years old (M = 16.2, SD = 2.1) answered a specially structured anonymous questionnaire. Results: Recent problem drinking (‘every day’ or ‘once a week’) was reported from 9% (‘wine’) up to 28% (‘beer’) of students. Cannabis and rave drugs usage (ranged from ‘every day’ to ‘once only in a while’) were reported by up to 38% (‘cannabis’) and 2% (‘rave drugs’) of students. Beer was the most popular type of alcoholic beverage (81%) with respect to wine (62%) and hard liquor (66%). Only a small percentage of participants stated that they were informed about the possible addiction to alcohol (5%) and its negative social consequences (3%). Nevertheless, almost all the students (92%) declared that alcohol consumption was less dangerous than other psychoactive substances. Finally, most students stated to know DFSA phenomenon (77%) and were victims or witness (13%) of a DFSA event. Conclusion: Psychoactive substances consumption remains a serious problem among Italian adolescents. For a successful alcohol strategy there is a need to implement preventive measures and counseling approaches in school. Increasing the knowledge of the negative effects of alcohol/drugs use might also lead to a better prevention of the DFSA phenomenon.
Authors and Affiliations
Antonio Villa, Alessia Fazio, Anna Esposito
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP216228
- DOI 10.19204/2016/prvl25
- Views 118
- Downloads 0
Exploring individual differences in online and face-to-face help-seeking intentions in case of impending mental health problems: The role of adult attachment, perceived social support, psychological distress and self-stigma
Background: Even though common mental health problems such as depression are a global burden calling for efficient prevention strategies, still many distressed individuals face hurdles to access public mental healthcare....
“What’s that on your phone?” The aftermath of parents finding sexual and reproductive health messages on their children’s phone in coastal Kenya
Introduction: Digital health interventions allow young people to access information quickly and discreetly, but privacy remains a concern. This article explores what happens when a young user’s privately-access Sexual an...
Case Reports: The core of practice-based evidence
A case report is a type of scientific paper that describes a patient-centred clinical pathway, which depends on medical doctor’s viewpoint, clinical insights and professional skills [1]. Case reports are particularly use...
Initiation and sustenance of small portion size consumption behavior in rural Appalachia, USA: Application of multi-theory model (MTM)
Introduction: About 81% counties of the central Appalachia in USA are experiencing the nation’s highest obesity rates. It is generally accepted that the consumption of large food portion sizes is associated with obesity...
Understanding emotional issues of clients approaching to nutrition counseling: A qualitative, exploratory study in Italy
Introduction: This study aimed to explore how stressful file events and clients’ emotional feelings may affect their approach towards diet intervention, the client-nutritionist relationship, and dietary outcomes. Methods...