Prevalence and Correlates of Substance Use among Samoan Adolescents

Abstract

Abstract Background: This study aimed at determining the current prevalence and predictors of substance use (Cigarette, amphetamine, alcohol and marijuana) among in-school adolescents in Samoa. Methods: We analysed the 2017 Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) on Samoa to estimate the prevalence and determinants of substance use among in-school adolescents. The GSHS was a cross-sectional survey which used cluster and simple random sampling techniques to select 7,116 in-school adolescents aged 13-17 years in Samoa. Frequency counts, percentages, chi-square statistics and binary logistic regression were the statistical tests used in the data analysis. Results: We found a prevalence of 13.2% (alcohol), 6.6% (amphetamines), 11.6% (cigarettes) and 7.9% (marijuana) of substance use among in-school adolescents in Samoa. The results from the multivariate logistic regression indicate that being a boy and with multiple sexual partners were associated with substance use. Also, truants and adolescents who engaged in physical fights were more likely to use alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana. Furthermore, bullied and physically attacked adolescents were more likely to use amphetamines. Moreover, in-school adolescents with serious injuries were likelier to smoke cigarettes and marijuana. Besides, cigarette smoking and marijuana usage were more likely to be used in adolescents who had planned suicide, whiles suicide attempters were more likely to use alcohol, amphetamines and marijuana. Again, an adolescent whose parents use tobacco is more likely to use alcohol and amphetamines. However, adolescents whose parents checked their academic performance were less likely to use alcohol and amphetamines. Conclusion: Policies and interventions should target drug policy and create a decent, healthy and safe school environment where mental health, bullying, truancy, parental/caregivers’ involvement in children’s education, sexual risk behaviours and violence among students are prioritised.