Association between parental separation and addictions in adolescents: results of a national Lebanese study

Abstract

Objectives: to investigate the association between the divorce of parents and smoking, alcohol, and internet addiction among a representative sample of Lebanese adolescents.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, conducted between January and May 2019 using a proportionate random sample of schools from all Lebanese Mohafazat. Out of 2000 questionnaires distributed; 1810 (90.5%) were completed and collected back.Results: The mean age was 15.42 ± 1.14 years, with 53.3% females and 74.1% smokers. In addition, 11.9% [95% CI 0.104-0.134] of the adolescents had separated/divorced parents. Divorce in parents was significantly associated with higher alcohol use disorder (Beta=8.035), higher cigarette dependence (Beta=2.767) and a higher waterpipe dependence (Beta=5.263) in adolescents. However, divorce in parents was not associated with internet addiction in adolescents.Conclusion: Parental divorce was correlated to higher alcohol and smoking, but not internet addiction among adolescents. Children whose parents are divorced should be subject to continuous follow-up by their parents and by a psychiatrist/psychologist in order not to develop any addiction that could potentially harm them.

Parental divorce and nicotine addiction in Lebanese adolescents: the mediating role of child abuse and bullying victimization

“…Based on the Problem Behavior Theory and Bowlby’s early attachment theory, several studies have shown that adolescents who experience insecure attachment secondary to the separation from a parent, might exhibit social, psychological, or behavioral disruption [ 3 – 6 ]. This increase in risk behaviors, includes but is not limited, to cigarette and waterpipe addiction [ 3 , 4 , 7 ]. In fact, Lebanese, European and American studies have reported higher rates of nicotine addiction in adolescents who have experienced parental divorce at an early age, when compared to those who lived with both parents [ 4 , 6 , 7 ].…”

“…This increase in risk behaviors, includes but is not limited, to cigarette and waterpipe addiction [ 3 , 4 , 7 ]. In fact, Lebanese, European and American studies have reported higher rates of nicotine addiction in adolescents who have experienced parental divorce at an early age, when compared to those who lived with both parents [ 4 , 6 , 7 ].…”

“…This has been exacerbated by the fact that Lebanese tax rates on tobacco are suboptimal making it the cheapest place in the Arab region to buy cigarettes, as well as the lack of laws that control smoking in public places [ 15 ]. In addition, in 2016, Lebanon was ranked first among 25 Eastern European and Eastern Mediterranean countries in waterpipe usage, with 36.9% of his teens having used it [ 4 , 16 , 18 – 20 ]. Factors contributing to its popularity include its aromatic smell, its popularity in the Arabic culture, the uncontrolled marketing and promotion campaigns, and most importantly the lack of knowledge [ 21 – 23 ] and common Lebanese belief that waterpipe smoking has minimal adverse effects on health given that smoke is being filtered by the water [ 19 , 24 ].…”

“…It is expected that such an increase in smoking rates among adolescents will not only have serious repercussions for the medical system in Lebanon given the consequential life-threatening medical events, but also it will profoundly affect the social and juridical aspects of the community given that smoking anticipates the transition of adolescents into various delinquent behaviors, by outing with substance-using peers and manifesting what is called the negative identity, that lowers their self-control and makes them unable to refrain from danger situations [ 4 , 6 , 7 , 13 , 21 ].…”

Is the presence of a psychiatric patient at home associated with higher addictions (alcohol, cigarette, and waterpipe dependence) in caregivers? The role of work fatigue, mental illness, spirituality, and religiosity

“…Our data showed that individuals with anxiety reported more waterpipe attachment than individuals with no anxiety. A study done in Lebanon showed that adolescents with divorced parents, 58 insecure attachment style, that have low self‐esteem and more anxiety, 59 are prone to waterpipe addiction more than the others. This can be explained by two points.…”