New Synthetic Compounds with Psychoactive Action-Preliminary Results Among Primary and High School Students on the Territory of Novi Sad.

Abstract

Introduction: Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) are substances not controlled by the United Nations' 1961 Narcotic Drugs and 1971 Psychotropic Substances convention, which pose a threat to public health. The use of NPSs is growing among recreational drug users. NPSs mimic the effects of the existing illegal drugs; they are used as substitutes for the traditional drugs of use. NPSs are commonly marketed as safe substances. NPS abuse is especially risky among vulnerable individuals, such as children and adolescents. The Aim: This study aims to analyze the knowledge and attitudes of primary and high school students regarding NPSs, determining the frequency and patterns of NPS use, and examine motivational factors for their consumption. Methodology: The questionnaire was employed to primary and secondary school students of the city of Novi Sad in November 2024. The data were analyzed using the methods of descriptive and inferential statistics in the statistical software package JASP 0.18.1.0. Results: A total of 1095 participants took part in the survey (53.6% males and 46.4% females). The age range of participants was 11-18 years (mean age 14.637 years). The majority of pupils lived in the city (70.5%). The most numerous students were students with the highest overall grade. The proportion of students who were familiar with NPSs was 38.3%, while 61.7% of them were not aware of their existence. Living in cities correlated positively with the NPS knowledge. The NPS risk awareness was notably low. The proportion of students who tried one or more novel drugs was 1.918%. Conclusions: The abuse of novel psychoactive substances is a growing concern, particularly among young individuals, requiring increased awareness and education on their risks. Educational systems should provide accurate information to prevent false beliefs, while policymakers must legally regulate new drugs. A coordinated approach is crucial for effective prevention, involving education, media, and support from different organizations. Future studies should focus on the impact of education on attitudes towards NPSs.