Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of smoking, alcohol intake and drug use among young people is increasing worldwide. AIM: The aim is to determine the prevalence, knowledge, and attitudes of male high school students toward substance abuse, alcohol intake, and smoking in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A survey was conducted from March to May 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to male high school students in grades 10 to 12 from randomly selected eight public and three private schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: A total of 400 male high school students participated in this study. The mean age of participants was 17.5 ± 1.3 years (range: 15 to 21 years old). A total of 281 students (70.2%) attended eight public/government schools and 119 (29.8%) attended three private or international schools. Most students (>70%) had knowledge of the harmful effects of smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Nonetheless, the prevalence of smoking, alcohol intake, and drug abuse was 27.8%, 11.5%, and 9.5%, respectively. Students began smoking before age 15, drinking alcohol before age 20, and using drugs as early as age 14. Most smokers and students that drank alcohol procure these substances by themselves whereas many students that took illegal drugs from friends. These substances markedly affected the students' school performance. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of smoking, alcohol intake, and drug use were high. Students began smoking, drinking alcohol, and using abused drugs at an early age, which were influenced by friends, peers, or their siblings. Some students purchase these substances by themselves while some got them from friends, especially alcohol. These practices affected their performance at school. Although many students were aware of the harmful effects of smoking, alcohol intake, and substance abuse, some students had opposing perspectives. Therefore, health authorities need to educate these students and institute structural and emotional support for students who are in these vices to mitigate misuse, long-term use, and addiction.