Youthful curiosity as a predictor of substance use among students

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Notwithstanding, the reasons that make the youth consume substances at young age are very complex, and many studies conclude that youthful curiosity is a major determining factor that drives them into such behavior. This current study investigated curiosity as a predictor of substance use among senior high school students in Gomoa West District and Effutu Municipality. The study was guided by three research questions.<br /> <b>Method:</b> It adopted the quantitative descriptive survey design.<br /> <b>Population:</b> A sample of 260 senior high school students were selected using a probability sampling technique for the study.<br /> <b>Instruments:</b> It adopted questionnaires on curiosity, substance use risk profile and substances and choices to collect data from respondents.<br /> <b>Data analysis:</b> Data gathered were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, percentages and Pearson product-moment correlation.<br /> <b>Results:</b> The study found that students were having low levels of alcohol and substance use curiosity. Also, the study revealed that the students’ substance use risk level was moderate. Furthermore, the study revealed a moderate relationship between alcohol and drug use curiosity and substance use risk among students.<br /> <b>Recommendations:</b> It was recommended that among other things the management of senior high schools in Gomoa West District and Effutu Municipality should provide guidance and counselling services on substance use and its effects on the youth.

The Predictive Relationship Between Curiosity and Internet Addiction Among Tertiary Students in Ghana

“…This suggest that curiosity among university students may predict internet addiction. Although, there are limited studies on the relationship between internet addiction and curiosity, there are some studies which have reported associations between curiosity and other types of addictions (Attila et al, 2023;. In their study, Attila et al (2023) found a positive relationship between alcohol and drug use curiosity and substance use risk among senior high students in Ghana.…”

“…Although, there are limited studies on the relationship between internet addiction and curiosity, there are some studies which have reported associations between curiosity and other types of addictions (Attila et al, 2023;. In their study, Attila et al (2023) found a positive relationship between alcohol and drug use curiosity and substance use risk among senior high students in Ghana. In a recent study, reported that social curiosity positively predicted social media addiction among young adults in Pakistan.…”

“…While research on the relationship between internet addiction and curiosity are scanty, there are some studies which have reported associations between curiosity and other types of addictions (Attila et al, 2023;.…”

Motivación intrínseca y consumo de drogas: Una revisión de estudios sobre los motivos de curiosidad y de expansión

“…La mayoría de los estudios analizados convergen en sus conclusiones, enfatizando la curiosidad y la expansión como los principales motivos intrínsecos vinculados al uso de sustancias estupefacientes. Estos resultados son coincidentes con los hallados en un considerable número de estudios realizados en el siglo actual (Attila et al, 2023;Bresin & Mekawi, 2019;Duarte et al, 2012;Hernández & Scherer, 2008;Kaasik & Kreegipuu, 2020;Kuntsche et al, 2006;Le Bon et al, 2004;Lee et al, 2009;Marqués et al, 2013;Neto et al, 2012;Parks & Kennedy, 2004;Racz, 2008;Wieczorek et al, 2022;Witteveen et al, 2006).…”

“…La etapa de inicio en el consumo de drogas suele ocurrir durante la juventud de las personas, fruto de una motivación influida por un conjunto de factores de riesgo individuales y contextuales (Botvin & Botvin, 1992;Jordan & Andersen, 2017;Simons et al, 2005;Smit et al, 2015;Woicik et al, 2009). Al respecto, diversos estudios sugieren que algunos de los principales motivos intrínsecos vinculados al consumo de drogas son la curiosidad y los motivos de expansión, que contemplan el deseo por experimentar nuevas sensaciones, la expansión de la conciencia, el autoconocimiento, el desarrollo de la creatividad o la búsqueda de una comprensión más profunda (Attila et al, 2023;Basedow & Kuitunen-Paul, 2022;Benschop et al, 2020;Bowker, 1977;Bresin & Mekawi, 2019;Kaasik & Kreegipuu, 2020;Kamali & Steer, 1976;Lindgren et al, 2010;Marqués et al, 2013;Racz, 2008;Simons et al, 1998;Wade et al, 2021;Wieczorek et al, 2022;Witteveen et al, 2006).…”