School-Based Assessment of Substance Use among Adolescents in Rajasthan: Prevalence, Patterns, and Risk Factors

Objectives: Substance abuse among adolescents is escalating in India. There are still many patterns that aren’t visible, especially among young people who aren’t always reached through school-based surveys. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, patterns, and risk factors of substance abuse among school-going adolescents in Rajasthan. Material and Methods: A school based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected urban and rural areas of Rajasthan. Using multistage random sampling, 620 adolescents aged 10–19 years were interviewed with a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were collected regarding tobacco, alcohol, and other substance consumption, including the age of onset, contributing factors, and locations of use. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used. Results: Out of 620 students, 90 (14.5%) reported using substances. Substance use was higher among males (75 of 347 (21.6%)) than females (15 of 273 (5.5%)). Tobacco was most used (70 (11.3%)), followed by alcohol (35 (5.6%)), and inhalants (20 (3.2%)). Early initiation was frequent, with 28 students (31.1%) starting at 11–13 years, 45 students (50.0%) at 14–16 years, and 15 (16.7%) at 17–19 years. Substance use was higher among males (75 (21.6%)) than females (15 (6.8%)). Significant risk factors included peer use (60 (30.0%)), paternal use (50 (20.0%)), and government school attendance (58 (17.1%)). Conclusion: Peers and family environments have an impact on substance abuse among Rajasthan’s adolescents, which goes beyond the classroom. School-based awareness campaigns and more stringent prohibitions on the availability of drugs close to places where young people congregate are required.