MAGNITUDE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF SUBSTANCE USE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GULELE SUB-CITY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Substance use is a growing problem in Ethiopia, as in many developing countries. It affects millions of people and places enormous financial and social burdens on society. It destroys families, damages the economy and affects the larger community. Human beings have always had a desire to eat or drink substances that make them feel relaxed, stimulated or euphoric. Humans have used substances of one sort or another for thousands of years. It is as old as mankind .Medical and recreational substance use is not just a phenomenon of the 20th century; many different types of substance have been used throughout recorded history. Methods: School based cross-sectional study design was applied. Objectives: The general objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and factor associated with substance use among high school students in Addis Ababa. Result: The study has indicated that 24.9% of the students have tried different kinds of substances and 20.7% are using substances currently. Among the socio-demographic factors sex, marital status of parents, parent- child relationship and religion have statistically significant association with substance use, whereas the others either has insignificant association or none at all. Chi-Square was applied to test the relation between substance use and these variables. Conclusion: In this study an attempt was made to assess the prevalence, associated effects of substance use, causal factor for substance use. Accordingly, the prevalence of substance use was 20.70% which is lower than the expected (in other studies rate of substance use is higher). Recommendations: -Substance use education should be integrated into the curriculum of all segments of the Educational system (for high schools). -Strategies to increase child-parent communication and increased information about substance (for civil societies). -Use at school are important to deal with the increasing prevalence of substance use among Students (for high schools). -Students at high risk for substance use should be targeted with special intervention to Control substance use among students (for high schools).