Factors Associated with Drug Use Among Secondary and High School Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Drug abuse is a significant public health concern among adolescents, who are a very susceptible group. This study aimed to identify the various factors associated with drug use among adolescents in secondary school. Methodology: Between October 2022 and April 2023, a cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out among adolescents in fourteen secondary schools in the city of Yaoundé, the administrative capital of Cameroon. The sampling was consecutive and non-exhaustive. The SPSS software version 23.0 was used for data analysis. Multivariate analysis was achieved using the logistic regression model. An Odd Ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to establish associated factors. The association between categorical variables was measured using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05). Results: Of the 1987 adolescents included, the prevalence of drug use was 27.5%, i.e. 546 pupils with an average age of 16.9 ± 1.4 years. The prevalence of drug use in the study was 27.5%. The risk factors identified were students aged 15 to 18, being in the first and final year of secondary school, being raised by either their father or grandparents only and having a bar at home. The protective factor was the absence of drug use by a household member. Conclusion: The high prevalence of drug use among teenagers at school means that preventive measures need to be instilled for school health and the community.