Drug Use Predictors Identified in the School Environment

Abstract

Drug use is commonplace amongst youths. Alongside the family environment, school is the second place which shapes children's opinions and attitudes. The aim of this research was to identify factors in the school environment conducive to the use of legal and illegal drugs as well as those which protect against such actions. In order to answer the formulated research questions a representative sociological survey was carried out within the Podkarpackie province in Poland on a sample of nearly 2,500 students from 27 secondary schools. A stratified random sampling respondents' selection method was applied. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Empirical data analysis showed the existence of interesting relationships between adolescents' school activities and engaging in risky behaviours. The results of this research may be used for prevention programmes.