Prevalence and the frequency of psychoactive substance consumption of youth in educational institutions – differences with regards to the type of institution and knowledge about psychoactive substances

Abstract

Studies confirm that adolescents experiment with the use of psychoactive substances during their growth. The main motivational processes are related to their desire to behave in accordance with social norms, an identity of individuality, to escape from discomfort and self-regulation. Attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge about psychoactive substances have been linked with substance use behaviour, but showed weak to moderate correlation. The main goal of this study was to gain insight into the frequency of psychoactive substances consumption of young men with behavioural problems placed in educational institutions, while the specific objectives were to explore the differences in the frequency of substance use with regard to the type of institution as well as the level of knowledge about psychoactive substances A total of N=74 young men placed in the justice system institutions (39.2%) and social welfare institutions (60.8%) participated in the study. The age of the participants ranges from 14 to 21 years of age (Mage=16.90, SDage=1,627). In addition to general socio-demographic data, the instrument measured knowledge about psychoactive substances, as well as the lifetime and past-year prevalence and the frequency of consumption. The results show a somewhat more frequent psychoactive substances use among young men institutionalized within the justice system, but also among participants with a higher level of knowledge of psychoactive substances. It is important to emphasize that the effects of differences are low to moderate. The results are interpreted in the context of other domestic and foreign prevalence studies and within the perspective of the importance of knowledge in creating interventions for young people in the area of the prevention of psychoactive substances use.