Do interpersonal problems catalyse experimentation of substance use among adolescents? An observational study

Background: The upbringing and sociocultural factors determine the initial stages of habit formation in a child. Type of family, peer company, environment at school, and surroundings tend to influence adolescent’s tendency for substance experimentation and use. Aims: Our aim was to identify the extent of experimental substance use and catalytic effect of interpersonal relational problems among adolescents. Methods: A self-administered health risk screening questionnaire was used. The questionnaire focused on problems related to substance use; type of substances experimented with; and interpersonal problems with parents, peers, at school, and in the neighbourhood. A cross-sectional study design was adopted (n=1770, age 16–19 years). Data obtained was entered and analysed using SPSS 15. Results: The proportion of experimentation with substance was found out to be more in boys as compared to girls. Alcohol was mostly consumed by them followed by cigarettes, pan masala and other substances. Interpersonal issues with mothers, fathers, at home, school and residing town were found to be significant factors that influenced adolescents for substance experimentation and use. Higher age group among adolescents sex (male) were strong socio demographic predictors of adolescent substance use. Conclusion: Cordial environment at home especially with parents, age, sex (male), residing town/neighbourhood were found to be very significant predictors of substance use by adolescents.