Attitude and Knowledge of High School Students Towards Substance Abuse

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse is a major public health concern, especially among adolescents, who are vulnerable due to peer influence and risk-taking behaviors. While global studies exist, research on high school students’ attitudes and knowledge of substance abuse in southern India is limited. Thus, this study was taken up with the aim of assessing students’ awareness and attitudes toward substance abuse.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students aged 13–17 years from rural and urban areas of Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Stratified random sampling was used to select schools and participants from standards IX, X, XI, and XII. Data were collected using two validated questionnaires: Dr. Om Prakash’s ‘Knowledge and Attitude Addiction Questionnaire for Adolescents’ and CSR’s Evaluation Instrument for Knowledge on Effects of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the 300 students, 61.3% were male, and 55.7% were from rural areas. Rural students exhibited better awareness of substance abuse risks, with 70.7% recognizing the dangers of chewing tobacco, compared to 55.1% in urban areas (p = 0.041). Females were more concerned about addiction (93.1% vs. 78.3%, p < 0.001). Family history of substance use influenced attitudes, and mass media was the primary source of information.

Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for targeted, gender-sensitive interventions, with a focus on school-based programs and mass media, to address knowledge gaps and misconceptions about substance abuse among adolescents.