Perception, Attitude and Support of Society Towards Drug Abuse: Do Gender, Age and Education Matter?

Abstract

This article highlights the support, attitude and perception of the general public towards drug abuse so that appropriate policies can be framed for the prevention of drug abuse among youth. The study aims to understand the relationship among variables influencing behaviour change with respect to drug abuse. Questionnaire from 1,159 respondents was administered comprising of 39 items exploring Perception, Attitude, Support pertaining to illicit drugs. Positive or negative attitude towards drug abuse is evolved out of the perception of problems associated with drug abuse and the support provided to dissuade drug-abusing behaviour, and relationship among these variables was tested using SEM-Path analysis. The perception of problems related to drug addiction significantly influences the attitude towards drug addiction. The perceived nature of the support structure augments the influence further (partial mediation). The augmenting effect of the support structure can be seen among gender, age and education. Moderator effects of age, gender and education were studied by estimating multi-group path coefficients. This article is useful to local government as they may take some of the findings of this article for framing policy related to educating youth related to drugs, creating a campaign regarding the harm of drug abuse and involving those volunteers in drug assistance programmes that are more supportive of drug addicts. This article is helpful for society to make them understand that their positive attitude and support towards drug abuse will give a second chance to drug addicts to leave drugs and live a normal life again.