ALPHA PSYCHIATRY
Original Articles

Prevalence and risk factors of use of psychoactive substances among primary school students in TRNC, 2019

Alpha Psychiatry 2019; 20: Supplement 30-34
DOI: 10.5455/apd.302644852
Read: 927 Downloads: 647 Published: 01 April 2019

Objective: The use of psychoactive substances, which has decreased in the age of onset in recent years, has become a threat to children. In this study, prevalence, risk factors and causes of tobacco, alcohol and other psycho-active substance (OPD) use among 5th grade primary school students in TRNC were investigated. Methods: The study was carried out among 2096 primary school 5th grade students in public schools of TRNC Ministry of National Education and Culture between May-June 2019. In the study, ‘California Healthy Children Questionnaire’ was used as a questionnaire form. Results: The prevalence of tobacco use was 9.3%, alcohol was 18.5% and OPD prevalence was 2.7%. It was found that 49.0% of the students heard one of the OPD names. In OPD use, being over 11 years of age, death of mother or father, having more siblings, and being exposed to bad behavior, insults and physical violence were identified as risk factors. Conclusion: The study showed that OPD use exists among primary school students in the TRNC as well as all over the world. In this study, it has been demonstrated that prevention of OPD use for children should be implemented in TRNC. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2019; 20(0.200): 30-34]

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