Psychotropic substance abuse among adolescents: a structural equation model on risk and protective factors.
The use of psychotropic substances in adolescents represents a serious public health problem. In this study a representative sample of 485 Austrian students between 14 and 18 years of age were investigated with a semistructured interview about substance-related issues and completed the general health questionnaire. The following rates of regular psychotropic substance use were found: cigarettes 41.4%, alcohol 44.5%, cannabis 10.1%, and other illicit substances 3%. Logistic regression analyses and structural equation modeling revealed the following major risk factors for substance use: peer pressure, negative family atmosphere, school difficulties, and psychopathology. Knowledge about substance use acted as a protective factor. Prevention of adolescent substance use and misuse should aim at these different targets. Information about coping with peer pressure may be a particularly promising route of intervention.
Rumpold
Gerhard
G
Department of Psychological Medicine & Psychotherapy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria. gerhard.rumpold@uibk.ac.at
Klingseis
Michael
M
Dornauer
Kurt
K
Kopp
Martin
M
Doering
Stephan
S
Höfer
Stefan
S
Mumelter
Birgit
B
Schüssler
Gerhard
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001317:Austria / Q000453:epidemiology; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003071:Cognition; D015897:Comorbidity; D003710:Demography; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D013287:Illicit Drugs; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs