Moscow Students’ Drug Use: school survey results

Abstract

Context: A cross-sectional school survey on drug use and related attitudes among students to ascertain the prevalence of substance use, and to serve as a baseline from which to develop prevention and education materials for primary school. Objectives: The main purpose of the study was to make recommendations for a drug prevention and education curriculum for primary school. The objectives of the study were to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to substance use and abuse among school children. Setting: Five public schools of the Northern District of Moscow, Russia. Participants: 1099 school students 10-15 years old. Results: Alcohol is the drug of choice among Moscow‗s students. Extensive experience with alcohol is normal behaviour for many. Tobacco smoking is highly prevalent as well. The use of illicit drugs among students is not at all high in comparison with alcohol use or tobacco smoking. Conclusions: The school survey data suggest that the development of a school-based substance abuse prevention and education programme should be based mainly on promotion of healthy lifestyles.