Inhalant use in adolescents in northern Russia

Roman Koposov,Vladislav Ruchkin,Andrew Stickley

doi:10.1007/s00127-018-1524-z

Abstract

PurposeTo determine the prevalence of inhalant use in Russian adolescents and to investigate associated psychosocial problems from a gender perspective.MethodsData on inhalant use and comorbid psychopathology were collected by means of self-reports from 2892 (42.4% boys) sixth to tenth grade students in public schools in Arkhangelsk, Russia. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to assess differences in the levels of internalizing and externalizing problems in boys and girls, who were non-users and users of inhalants.ResultsThe prevalence of inhalant use was 6.1% among boys and 3.4% among girls. Compared with non-users, inhalant users scored significantly higher on internalizing and externalizing problems, functional impairment and lower on academic motivation, with psychopathology increasing with age. While there were no gender differences for internalizing problems, increased levels of externalizing problems in inhalant users were gender-specific (significantly higher in boys).ConclusionsInhalant use is related to significantly higher levels of comorbid psychopathology in Russian adolescents. Comprehensive, evidence-based prevention and intervention policies are needed to address inhalant use and its harmful effects.

Highlights

Substance use is common among adolescents [1, 2]
Given the relatively low prevalence rates, both the irregular and regular inhalant user groups were combined into a single users group, which was compared to the non-users group
Evidence suggests that the prevalence rates of inhalant use in specific adolescent populations in Russia, such as street children [35], or juvenile delinquents [36], may be substantially higher, the discrepancy in rates between studies highlights the need for further research in this area

Summary

Introduction

Substance use is common among adolescents [1, 2]. Among substances, inhalants (household and industrial chemicals) occupy a special place because they are relatively inexpensive and readily available. Studies of adolescent inhalant users have found that they are more likely than non-users to report poor family relations, disrupted living situations, academic problems [13, 14] and are at increased risk of multiple drug use [13]. Data from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) showed that in Russia the prevalence of inhalant use in the general adolescent population was 9% [20]. Considering the lack of large-scale epidemiological data and a high discrepancy in the reported figures, more research is needed to obtain a clearer picture of the situation regarding inhalant use and its effects in Russian adolescents. This study had two main aims, namely, (1) to assess the general prevalence of inhalant use in Russian adolescents, and (2) to investigate the psychosocial problems associated with inhalant use in Russian youths from a gender perspective

Methods

Results

Summary statistics

Discussion

Limitations

Compliance with ethical standards