Association of Sociodemographic Factors with Severity of Substance Use Risk among Bangladeshi Adolescents

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Adolescent substance use is a growing public health concern, strongly influenced by sociodemographic and family-related factors, leading to varying degrees of risk severity. Aim of the study: To assess the association between sociodemographic factors and severity of substance use risk among Bangladeshi adolescents. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted over two years (October 2020-September 2022) in tertiary psychiatric and de-addiction centers in Bangladesh. A total of 140 adolescents aged 12-19 years were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, and substance use risk was assessed using a CRAFFT-based categorization (low, moderate, high, very high). Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression, with p<0.05 considered significant. Result: Most participants were male (93.6%), aged 17-19 years (50.0%). Low, moderate, high, and very high risk were 51.4%, 30.7%, 14.3%, and 3.6%, respectively. Significant associations were observed between substance use severity and age (p=0.018), gender (p=0.041), residence (p=0.027), education (p=0.033), family income (p=0.012), parental education (p<0.05), family conflict (p=0.001), and peer influence (44.3%). Multivariable analysis identified peer influence (AOR=3.12), family conflict (AOR=2.41), and low parental education (AOR=1.95) as key predictors. Conclusion: Sociodemographic and family-related factors significantly influence the severity of substance use risk among Bangladeshi adolescents. Peer influence, family conflict, and parental education emerged as the strongest determinants. Early identification of high-risk groups and targeted family- and school-based preventive interventions are essential to reduce adolescent substance use burden.