Institute for Health Policy , Colombo , Sri Lanka.
Subst Abus. 2013;34(2):137-42. doi: 10.1080/08897077.2012.726961.
This study aimed to understand the usage patterns and correlates of illicit drug use among schoolchildren in Colombo district, Sri Lanka.
A cross-sectional study was carried out among grade 10 and 12 students using a self-administered questionnaire.
From the 6000 students selected, 5353(89.22%) responded. Betel chewing with tobacco was seen in 28.48% males and 10.44% females. Substances such as Barbul, Madana Modaka, and cough syrups that are not established as illicit drugs were used as psychoactive substances. Ingredients of some of these compounds are not fully understood or regulated. Prevalence of cannabis use was 3.85% in males and 0.24% in females. Studying nonscience subjects for Advanced Level, doing sports, low academic performance, and peer smoking significantly increased the odds of using one or more substances (P < .05).
Many types of illicit substances were used by schoolchildren. More strategies to prevent further aggravation of these behaviors are needed. Constituents of some compounds are not understood and need further evaluation. Recognized high-risk groups can be targets for preventive and cessation programs.
本研究旨在了解斯里兰卡科伦坡地区学童的非法药物使用模式和相关因素。
采用横断面研究方法，对 10 年级和 12 年级学生使用自填式问卷进行调查。
在 6000 名学生中，有 5353 名（89.22%）学生做出了回应。男生中有 28.48%嚼槟榔加烟草，女生中有 10.44%嚼槟榔加烟草。一些尚未被确认为非法药物的物质，如 Barbul、Madana Modaka 和咳嗽糖浆，被用作精神活性物质。这些化合物的一些成分尚未完全了解或受到监管。男生中使用大麻的比例为 3.85%，女生中为 0.24%。学习高级水平的非科学科目、参加体育运动、学习成绩低以及同伴吸烟显著增加了使用一种或多种物质的几率（P<.05）。
许多类型的非法药物都被学童使用。需要采取更多的策略来防止这些行为进一步恶化。一些化合物的成分尚不清楚，需要进一步评估。可以将公认的高风险群体作为预防和戒烟计划的目标。
