Alcohol and Substance Use among Children and Adolescents in an Orphanage

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate smoking and alcohol and substance use among children and adolescents in an orphanage Methods: Children, living in the orphanage of Kahramanmaras city comprised the study sample. A questionnaire including questions regarding socio-demographic characteristics, smoking and substance use habits was filled in by the participants. Results: Seventy-six children aged between 9 and 18 years, with a mean of 14.66 +/- 2.35 years accepted to participate in the study and gave informed consent. Of all the participants, 31 (40.8%) were male and 45 (59.2%) were female. Out of all, 18 (23.7%) were cigarette smokers, 6 (7.9%) were alcohol users, and 2 (2.6%) were marijuana users. The number of female cigarette smokers was significantly higher (p <0.001) and a significant relationship was observed between smoking and increasing age (p=0.021). Alcohol and substance use was significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (p<0.001, p=0.01, respectively). A significant relationship was observed between alcohol use and substance abuse (p <0.001). Forty-four (57.9%) participants were willing to be educated about harmful effects of smoking and substance use. Conclusion: Smoking and alcohol and substance abuse, with its individual and social problems, were found to be quite common in an orphanage under the state control. Children living in the orphanage reported a need for education about harmful effects of smoking and substance use. Furthermore, professionals working in orphanages should be educated in order to increase their awareness.