Prevalence of drug use among students of vocational schools in Klaipėda city, Lithuania, in 2004–2006

The aim was to evaluate the prevalence and trends of drug use among students of vocational schools in Klaipėda city and to establish the relationships between psychosocial factors and drug abuse. Participants and methods. Two cross-sectional questionnaire surveys were carried out among first-year students of vocational schools in Klaipėda. Random samples of 912 and 342 students aged 16–19 years (representatives of Western part of Lithuania) were questioned in 2004 and 2006, respectively. Questionnaires were filled out anonymously in the classroom. Questions have covered information on drugs such as marihuana, club drugs, injectable drugs, and other drugs. Logistic regression was used for evaluation of relationship between drug use and different psychosocial and behavioral determinants of drug use. Results. In 2004, 56.0% of male respondents and 42.0% of female respondents have reported any drug use during their life. The analysis of standardized data (by the place of residence) showed an increase in the prevalence of drug use during 2004–2006: up to 65.5% in boys (P<0.05) and up to 44.0% in girls (P>0.05). Percentage of club drug users increased significantly in girls (from 21.5% to 29.8%; P=0.040) and exceeded the level of boys. The average number of drugs of different types used by boys changed slightly from 1.57 to 1.63 (P>0.05), but increased significantly in girls (from 1.49 to 1.88, P<0.001). The use of drugs was related to school location (graduates of Klaipėda schools used drugs more frequently), communication with friends who use drugs, participation in the parties where drugs are used, alcohol use, and smoking. In 2006 survey, more significant relationship between drug use and social and behavioral factors was observed. Conclusion. Several indicators of drug use showed a significant increase in drug abuse among students of vocational schools in Klaipėda during the period of 2004–2006. Multisectorial efforts and integrated preventive measures should be applied for the prevention of epidemics of drug use in Klaipėda city