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Riaz Ahmed Bhutto¹, Razi Ullah Riaz²,  Shahid Kamran³,  Rakhshinda Younus⁵, Nazia Qamar⁶  and Pavan Kumar⁴

ABSTRACT

Objective: To find out the prevalence and pattern of substance abuse among young adolescents and the associated risk factors at Malir Karachi.

Study Design: Cross Sectional Study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Al-Tibri Medical College, Karachi from July 2021 to December 2021.

Materials and Methods: We have used the Self-Administered WHO Model Core Questionnaire to collect information on use of various substances among adolescents within Malir district Karachi. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version -25.

Results: A Total number of male adolescents were n=518 (100%) and no females were questioned due to socio-demographical environments and ethical view. Out of the 518 participants, 67 (12.7%) were addicted of Gutka, panmasla and mainpuri along with smoking, 108 (20.9%) used tranquillizers without a medical recommendation. 103 (19.9%) consumed cannabis and bhang. 18 (3.7%) young boys had tried heroin. 112 (21.6%) adolescents had used other opiate drugs their own on advice of friends for recreational purpose. Study showed significant positive but weak linear correlations between recreational and dependent use (r = 0.161, p = 0.003).

Conclusion: Study indicates a high prevalence of tobacco and inhalants use among adolescents in Malir Karachi.

Key Words: Substance, Substance Abuse; Prevalence; Factors; Young adolescents

Citation of article: Bhutto RA, Riaz R, Kamran S, Younus R, Qamar N, Kumar P. Prevalence, Pattern and Factors Associated with Substance Abuse Among Young Adolescents in Malir Karachi, Sindh. Med Forum 2022;33(12):91-96.