Polysubstance use among adolescents in Malaysia: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017

Abstract

Background Polysubstance use is defined as the use of more than one non-prescribed licit or illicit substance either concurrently or simultaneously. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of single substance users and polysubstance users and 'their associated factors among adolescents in Malaysia. Methods This study was a secondary data analysis from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2017, a cross-sectional survey conducted among Malaysian school-going adolescents aged 13 to 17. The NHMS utilised a two-stage stratified cluster sampling. Multivariate Multinomial Logistic Regression analysis was applied. Results The overall prevalence of single substance use and polysubstance use among adolescents were 17.2% and 5.1% respectively. The multinomial model showed a higher likelihood of being single or polysubstance user among male (single user OR = 3.0, poly user OR = 4.6), others Bumiputeras vs Malay (single user OR = 1.7, poly user OR = 5.3), those who live with a single parent (single user OR = 1.2, poly user OR = 1.4), involved in truancy (single user OR = 1.7, poly user OR = 3.6) and being bullied (single user OR = 1.3, poly user OR = 3.4), those who had lack of peer support (single user OR = 1.3, poly user OR = 1.4), poor parental bonding (single user OR = 1.4, poly user OR = 1.8), depression (single user OR = 1.4, poly user OR = 3.2) and those who had no close friend (single user OR = 1.3, poly user OR = 2.7). Conclusion Our study highlighted multiple significant associated factors of single and polysubstance use among adolescents in Malaysia. This result can assist in the development of specific intervention and prevention programs targeting high-risk groups.

Current e-cigarette use among in-school adolescents in West Malaysia: Examining the interactions between sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle risk behaviours

“…The interaction of drug use and ethnicity shows a greater effect for current e-cigarette use among non-current drug users. In contrast to our findings, local studies have reported that the use of substances was less likely to cluster in Malay compared to non-Malay adolescents [ 46 , 53 ]. With the smaller effect of ethnicity differences among current drug users, further study is needed to explore the nature of drug influence in Malay and non-Malay adolescents.…”

Depressive Symptoms and Their Associated Factors in Vocational–Technical School Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…During adolescence, the developmental changes experienced by an individual are marked by emotional instability, which can interfere with positive decision-making [ 8 ]. Thus, adolescence is a period of vulnerability for the development of risky mental health behaviors [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…Experts argue that there may be a positive relationship between physical activity and brain health in adolescents, which involves both cognitive function and mental health [ 14 ]. Additionally, the use of licit or illicit psychoactive substances is associated with depression in adolescents [ 9 , 15 ]. In adolescence, episodes of rebellion and dangerous habits such as alcohol drinking and drug use may start to develop, especially among adolescents who lack the support of family and friends [ 9 , 21 ].…”

“…Additionally, the use of licit or illicit psychoactive substances is associated with depression in adolescents [ 9 , 15 ]. In adolescence, episodes of rebellion and dangerous habits such as alcohol drinking and drug use may start to develop, especially among adolescents who lack the support of family and friends [ 9 , 21 ]. A lower depressive symptomatology was also found among adolescents who had a good-quality diet, based on the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, for example [ 22 ].…”

Associations between Longitudinal Patterns of Substance Use and Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among a Sample of Canadian Secondary School Students

“…Poly-substance use has also been linked with risk behaviours other than substance use (e.g., risky sexual behaviour, gambling) and negative health outcomes above and beyond using each substance in isolation, including poor mental health and mental ill-health [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Of note, poly-substance use has been associated with elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescents aged 11 to 18 in cross-sectional research [ 5 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ], although previous longitudinal research has identified mixed results. A large US study found no associations between poly-substance use and depressive symptoms after controlling for other variables [ 9 ].…”