A study on using patterns of alcohol, tobacco and drugs among school children in Anuradhapura district

Abstract

This study assesses the current situation of alcohol, tobacco and drugs usage among school children in Anuradhapura district. The data were collected using cluster sampling method. This examines the patterns of consumption and the factors which help to identify and distinguish these addicted groups from non-user groups.

The multivariate and categorical data analysis techniques were used throughout this study. Logistic regression and discriminant analysis procedures are used to identify key factors in determining these behavioural patterns. The use of discriminant analysis was done mainly to verify the outcomes of the logistic regressions. Our results reveal that certain variables are common across alcohol and tobacco user groups.

There was a strong relationship in alcohol usage and smoking with parents, and friends who were also addicted to these substances. Religiousness has negative effect over these habits.