Supervisors info:
Παπαρρηγόπουλος Θωμάς, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Φωτίου Αναστάσιος, Επιστημονικός συνεργάτης, Ιατρική σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Τριανταφύλλου Καλλιόπη, Επιστημονική συνεργάτης, Ιατρική σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances is a complex problem, which requires extensive knowledge of the important factors that affect the exacerbation, but also the attenuation of the phenomenon. Previous researches have highlighted the effect of the above factors, while the investigation of them will strengthen the efforts for effective preventive interventions, mainly in the context of the community, which has the responsibility to ensure the promotion of the health of its citizens.
Aim: The main objective of this research is the study of protective factors and risk factors for the initiation of substance use in the adolescent population of three communities in Athens. More specifically, it aims to investigate the degree of influence of the above factors in each of the three communities, in order to highlight the different needs for prevention and intervention.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was carried out by administering the anonymous questionnaire "Communities that Care"(CTC), in the period July 2023- June 2024. The sample included students of 2nd High School, 3rd High School, 1st High School and 2nd ́ Lyceum schools of three communities of the Prefecture of Attica, Zografou, Kifissia and the Center of Athens. The questionnaire included questions on 24 risk and protective factors at the community, family, school, individual and peer group levels.
Results: The results show that adolescents in Ampelokipi, Zografou and Kifissia show high risk factors and low protective factors for substance use, with the main substances of use being alcohol and smoking.
Conclusions: The research highlighted the crucial role of family and social interactions in the emergence of risky behaviors, such as substance use. Increased risk factors, such as lack of supervision and disrupted family relationships, as well as inadequate protective factors underscore the need for prevention and intervention programs in school communities and families.
Keywords:
Substance use, Adolescents, Predictors, Community, Prevention.
