Drug addiction among high school students in Toamasina I Madagascar in 2020

Abstract

Introduction: The problematic use of psychoactive substances by high school students is currently more and more widespread social phenomenon. The dangerousness of these misuses is cognitive decline and behavioral disorders with legal consequences. The objectives of the study is to show a screening of the socio-demographic and clinical profile of high school students taking psychoactive substances in the Region of Toamasina I Madagascar. Research methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out on a sample of population made by high school students from the Region of Toamasina I Madagascar, from the class of Second to Terminale, among 6 high schools establishments, obtained after a draw, from October 01st to November 30th, 2020. Students were asked to fill out questionnaires and submitting them immediately. The content of the questionnaires was made up of the standardized assessment items ASSIST Version 3.0 (Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test). It was studied the social and demographic parameters with the clinical symptoms presented by high school students who reported a notion of taking or using psychoactive substances and finaly, the level of dependence on these substances. Conclusion: Almost of high school students are classified as occasional users who, during a meeting with their classmates or during a trip, would allow themselves to be convinced of the need to accept drug use as symbol of sharing and brotherhood. Sensitizations must be initiated to aware of the imminence of this dangerous health problem.