Abstract:

This study was conducted to determine the frequency of substance addiction in high school students and to evaluate the factors affecting it. 1131 high school students were included in the cross-sectional study. A questionnaire about socio-demographic characteristics and Addiction Profile Index Adolescent Form (APİ-E) form were applied to the students in a closed envelope method. 58.7% (655) of the students were male and 41.3% (472) were female. The mean age of the participants in the study is 16,81±1.38. 9.4% of the participants (70 people) stated that they received psychiatric treatment. 18.5% (209 people) of the students used an addictive substance at least once. 12.2% (138 people) used at least one of the addictive substances except alcohol. Substance use for once in a lifetime is significantly higher in boys than in girls (p<0.001). Substance use is significantly higher in those with a broken family structure and those living separately from their families than those with a nuclear or extended family structure (p=0.002). Those who received psychiatric treatment due to any complaint at least once were significantly higher than those who did not receive psychiatric treatment (p<0.001). Substance use at least once is significantly higher in children with low school success compared to other groups (p<0.001). Correlation between students' achievement status and API-E subscale scores was examined. A strong negative correlation was found between achievement status and API-E scores in all subscales. As with other health problems, disadvantaged groups are at risk in addiction. It is important to support these children during childhood and adolescence. Addiction remains an important public health problem.

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