The Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Drug and Substance Abuse Among Community-Dwelling Adults in Jeju Area
10.4306/jknpa.2025.64.4.289
- Author:
Yeonu DO
1
;
Moon-Doo KIM
;
Bo-Hyun YOON
;
Young-Eun JUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Naju National Hospital, Naju, Korea
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association
2025;64(4):289-296
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:Drug abuse and substance use disorder have become a pressing public health crisis. Recent trends show a rise in non-typical user groups and prescription drug misuse, highlighting the need for preventive education and awareness. This cross-sectional survey study explored the perceptions and attitudes about drug and substance abuse among adults in Jeju.
Methods:Data were obtained from 500 adults living in Jeju, Korea. The participants were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire that evaluated perceptions and attitudes toward drug abuse across three domains: risk perception, attitudinal agreement, and behavioral intention.Awareness of specific drugs was also measured from dichotomous (yeso) responses. The associations between the three domains and sociodemographic variables were analyzed using a Pearson’s chi-square test.
Results:Approximately 54.2% of participants have perceived the risks associated with drug use problems, and 60.2% agreed with the importance of preventive education. In behavioral intention, 62.2% indicated a willingness to seek help in case of addiction, and 57.2% were willing to share preventive information with others. Significant differences in risk perceptions and attitudes based on gender, age, and education levels were noted.
Conclusion:The findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies based on an individual’s sociodemographic factors and educational campaigns that address lesser-known prescription drugs. Future studies should explore mediating factors between awareness and behavior, incorporating objective assessment tools to enhance reliability.
