Adolescents ' Level of Knowledge Regarding the Impact of Drug Abuse on Physical and Psychosocial Health

Abstract

Drug abuse is a health problem that can have a wide-ranging impact on the lives of adolescents, both physically and psychosocially. Adolescence is a crucial period in development, as biological, cognitive, emotional, and social changes occur that can influence health behaviors into adulthood. A good understanding of the impacts of drug abuse is expected to be a supporting factor in efforts to prevent drug abuse in adolescents.

This study aims to determine the level of knowledge of adolescents about the impact of drug abuse on physical and psychosocial health.

The study used a quantitative descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach . The sample consisted of 100 adolescents selected using a purposive sampling technique . Data collection was conducted using a knowledge questionnaire consisting of 25 questions regarding the definition of drugs, risk factors, impacts on physical health, psychological impacts, and social impacts. Data were analyzed univariately using frequency distribution and percentages.

The results showed that the majority of respondents had a good level of knowledge (63 respondents), while 27 respondents (27%) had sufficient knowledge and 10 respondents (10%) had insufficient knowledge. Regarding physical health impacts, 68% of respondents had good knowledge. Regarding psychosocial impacts, 59% of respondents had good knowledge.

These results indicate that while most adolescents have good knowledge, some still need more information about the impacts of drugs, particularly the psychosocial aspects. Continuous health education through schools, families, health workers, and the community is necessary as part of efforts to prevent drug abuse among adolescents