Prevalence and risk factors associated with substance use in children: A questionnaire-based survey in two cities of Uttar Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND: There is a sharp increase of substance use, particularly tobacco and alcohol, among schoolchildren. AIMS: A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence, age of initiation, and determinants for the uptake of tobacco and alcohol habits among ever-user students. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among school students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on alcohol and tobacco use, age at initiation, peer influence, reason of initiation, etc., was collected from students of class 7(th)–12(th)(ages: 11–19 years) studying in schools of Noida and Ghaziabad cities, through a pretested self-administered questionnaire through multistage sampling design. Univariate analysis was done to assess the significance of various determinants. RESULTS: “Ever use of substance” (alcohol or tobacco) was found in 14.3% students and was 1.2 times more among boys in comparison to girls (P < 0.05). About 29.5% of these students initiated the habit before 11 years of age and its prevalence was significantly more among boys from government schools as compared to private schools. The habits were 2.2, 3.8, and 4.6 fold higher among students if the father, mother, siblings, or friends also used substances. Substance use was less frequent among children of white-collared father and more educated parents. One-third of students up took the habit to make friends. CONCLUSION: The rising prevalence of substance use among students is a threat to the society. Introducing a “substance use prevention policy” in schools to educate students about various adverse effects and refusal skills may help curb this menace.