Trend of drug abuse among Macao adolescents during 2009-2017
10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2019.05.011
- VernacularTitle:澳门地区青少年2009—2017年药物滥用流行趋势
- Author:
TONG Laikun, AU Mioleng, VAN Iatkio
1
Author Information
1. Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macao(519020), China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Substance-related disorders;
Health education;
Adolescent
- From:
Chinese Journal of School Health
2019;40(5):680-682
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To analyze the trend of drug abuse among Macao adolescents during 2009-2017, and provide scientific basis for prevention and control measures of drug abuse among adolescents.
Methods:A retrospective study was conducted with data of drug abusers who were under 21 years old obtained from the "Central Registration System for Drug Abusers of Macao" during 2009-2017.
Results:The proportion of adolescent drug abusers decreased from 35.3% in 2009 to 4.55% in 2017, which showed a downward trend (γ<0, P<0.05). There was no regular changing pattern found in the average age of adolescent drug abusers and the average age of first-time drug abusers from 2009 to 2017(γ=-0.17, -0.19, P>0.05). Methamphetamine and ketamine were the main types of drugs among adolescent drug abusers while home/friend’s home and entertainment place were the most common places of drug abuse among adolescents. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of drug abuse among adolescents in different localities(H=40.67, P<0.01). The most common reason for adolescents taking drugs was peer influence. The main reasons associated with drug abuse were peer influence, excitement, family influence and family conflicts, which showed a declining trend in 2009-2017(γ<0, P<0.05).
Conclusion:Parental education and inspections of objectionable facilities should be strengthened to further prevent drug abuse among adolescents although the Macao government’s youth policy was effective in reducing drug abuse among adolescents.