Parents-adolescent Relationship and Drug Abuse

Abstract

Quality of the parent-adolescent relationship significantly affects the development of risk behaviors in adolescent health. Research shows strong relationship between adolescent’s risk behaviors related to drug and alcohol abuse and parenting styles. The studies supports the substantial influence of parenting style on adolescent development. There is also considerable evidence to show that parenting styles and behaviors related to alcohol and tobacco smoking The main objective of the research was to show parent’s behavior related to drug abuse of their children, and to describe if there is parental support to such kind of behavior. Methods This study covers 368 adolescents: male 170, female 198, aged 12-17, with equal urban and rural distribution. The research tool used was Q 2004 (K.B. Kelly 2000). EPI info was used for statistical analyses. Research is epidemiological and was done in urban and rural areas of Sarajevo Canton Results Out of total number of individuals involved in the study 25.8% was found to be cigarette smokers, 39.4% consumed alcohol, and 2.2% consumed marijuana. Alcohol abuse is more present in urban rather than in rural types of communities. (56.6%; 43.4%; p=0, 0001). Of all age groups examined, alcohol abuse is most frequent in males (53.1%; 46.9%) and high school age group, 69.0%; 31.0%). Passive parental support to alcohol consumers is surprisingly high, > 50%. Conclusion It is determined that parents (particularly father) use tobacco and alcohol, and support passively similar behavior their children.