Epidemiological profile of substance use among male adolescents in rural southern Haryana: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abhishek Singh; Anil  Kumar

Abhishek Singh Professor, Department of Community Medicine, SHKM Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana, India
Anil Kumar Student, Department of Community Medicine, SHKM Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana, India

Keywords: Substance Abuse, Adolescents, Epidemiology, Rural Health, Tobacco Use, Alcohol, India

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse among adolescents represents a significant public health challenge in rural India, with limited epidemiological data available from aspirational districts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of substance use among male adolescents in rural southern Haryana.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 322 male adolescents aged 15-19 years in rural areas of the district Nuh, Haryana, from November 2021 to December 2022. A multistage sampling technique was employed for participant selection. Data collection utilized a structured questionnaire based on the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights framework. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The overall prevalence of substance use was 44.7% (n=144). Tobacco products were the predominant substances used (41.9%, n=135), encompassing both smokeless and smoked forms. Alcohol consumption was reported by 1.6% (n=5) participants, while opioids and pharmaceutical preparations were used by 0.6% (n=2) and 0.3% (n=1), respectively. Cannabis use was minimal (0.3%, n=1). Among substance users, 77.1% (n=111) had friends who engaged in substance use. The primary motivational factors included mood enhancement (36.1%, n = 52) and peer influence (35.4%, n=51). Academic performance decline preceded substance initiation in 24.3% ( n = 35) of cases.
Conclusion: The substantial burden of substance use (44.7%) among rural male adolescents, with an average initiation age of 14.8 years, necessitates urgent implementation of targeted prevention strategies. The predominance of tobacco uses and strong peer influence patterns highlight the need for comprehensive school and community-based interventions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202508

How to cite this article:
Singh A, Kumar A. Epidemiological Profile of Substance uses among Male Adolescents in Rural Southern Haryana: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Epidem Int. 2025;10(3):12-16.

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