A comparative study on substance abuse problems among adolescent girls and boys in urban and rural field practice areas of South India

Mercy P.; P. Leela Prasad

doi:10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20263717

Authors

Mercy P. Department of Community Medicine, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Siruvachur, Perambalur, Tamil Nadu, India
P. Leela Prasad Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20263717

Keywords:

Adolescent, Alcohol, Substance abuse, Smoking tobacco, Smokeless tobacco

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a vital period of human growth and development. Substance abuse is a major public health issue because it affects younger people more and more and causes serious health, social, and financial issues. This study was conducted to assess and compare substance abuse among school-going adolescent girls and boys in urban and rural areas of South India.

Method: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 adolescent girls and boys aged 10–19 years residing in the urban and rural field practice areas of Kurnool Medical College. Data were collected between March 2023 and March 2025 using a semi-structured questionnaire through a simple random sampling technique. Permission from the institutional ethics committee (IEC) was obtained, and written informed consent was secured from the participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 21.

Results: The prevalence of substance abuse was higher in urban areas (4.32%) than in rural areas (2.88%). The most common type of substance abuse was smoking tobacco in both urban (1.92%) and rural areas (1.44%). Most participants consumed alcohol occasionally in both urban (0.96%) and rural areas (0.96%). Smoking tobacco was the most commonly used form of tobacco in both urban and rural areas.

Conclusion: The prevalence of substance abuse was higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. Friends were the most common first alcohol-drinking partners in both urban and rural areas. Awareness programs should be initiated, along with educating parents, teachers, and peer groups about the harmful effects of tobacco and substance use.

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