# Prevalence of Substance Use Among Students of Senior Secondary Schools in the Tribal Sub-plan Area of Rajasthan

## TL;DR

This study finds that 12.3% of senior secondary school students in Rajasthan's tribal areas use substances, with tobacco and alcohol being most common.

## Contribution

The study provides new data on substance use prevalence among students in Rajasthan's tribal sub-plan areas.

## Key findings

- Tobacco use was the most common substance use, affecting 91.9% of substance users.
- Peer pressure was the main reason for starting substance use.
- 75% of substance users wanted to quit, and 43.7% were willing to join rehabilitation programs.

## Abstract

Introduction: Substance use among adolescents is a growing concern due to its impact on physical, mental, and cognitive health. Despite various studies on adolescent substance use in India, data regarding students in the tribal sub-plan (TSP) areas of Rajasthan remain limited, where the unique socio-economic and cultural factors influence these communities.

Objectives: To evaluate students’ knowledge and attitude regarding substance use and to assess the prevalence of substance use, along with the use of individual substances, among senior secondary school students in TSP areas.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted after obtaining permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Rajasthan, among students from classes nine to 12 over a six-month period (July-December 2024). Students of senior secondary schools in the TSP area in Rajasthan were included. A structured, validated questionnaire was used to assess the demographic profile of the participants and knowledge, attitudes, and practices of substance use among students. The data was collected through self-reported responses and analyzed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States).

Results: A total of 260 students participated in this study, out of which 32 were substance abusers. The overall prevalence of substance use was 12.3% out of which tobacco users (239, 91.9%) and alcohol users (195, 75%) are the most common. Peer pressure was the primary reason for initiation, followed by tradition and curiosity. Out of all substance abusers, two (6.2%) experienced anxiety. Around 24 total substance abusers (75%) wanted to quit because they believed substances were harmful. However, 14 (43.7%) of them were willing to join de-addiction and rehabilitation programs to make positive changes in their lives.

Conclusion: The study concluded that substance abuse is a prevalent issue among adolescents, with tobacco emerging as the most commonly used substance. Many young individuals grappling with substance use disorders express a willingness to engage in de-addiction and rehabilitation programs, indicating a recognition of the need for help and a desire for change.