Publication: Patterns of Illicit Substance use Among Children in Western Province of Sri Lanka – A Cross-Sectional Study
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Illicit substance use among children is a significant public health concern with profound impacts on their physical, mental, and social well-being. Understanding the demographic and geographic patterns of substance use is crucial for targeted interventions. This study aims to analyse the prevalence, age and gender patterns, and geographic distribution of illicit substance use among children aged 12 - 17 years in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 69 children who tested positive for substances through urine toxicology screening in the Western Province. Data were collected from four institutes in Sri Lanka from February 2020 to February 2024. Statistical analysis, including Pearson correlation, assessed the impact of age and gender on substance use.
Results: The mean age was 16 years, with a positive correlation between age and substance use (R = 0.409, P = 0.0004). Males constituted 91.3% of users, and gender significantly influenced substance use patterns (R = 0.393, P = 0.0008). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), methamphetamine and opioid were the most common substances abused. Multiple substances abuse was seen in 16%. Colombo and Gampaha districts seem to be most affected.
Conclusions: The study reveals that THC is the commonest substance abused. There is significant age and gender disparities in substance use, with older males at higher risk. Geographic patterns highlight greater use in urban areas.
Description
Kavinda Dayasiri
Professor and Consultant Paediatrician, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Ramesh Alagiyawanna
Consultant Judicial Medical Officer, North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka
Keywords
Illicit substance use, Teenagers, Urine toxicology, Age patterns, Gender patterns, Geographic distribution, MEDICINE::Social medicine::Public health medicine research areas