DEMOGRAPHIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF PAST 30-DAY DRUG USE IN THE TABUK REGION, SAUDI ARABIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.7981Keywords:
Drug Use, Psychological Factors, Demographic Predictors, Young Adults, Saudi Arabia, Family Interaction, Perceived Stress, Help-Seeking BehaviourAbstract
Substance use remains a growing public health concern, particularly among young adults, because of its significant psychological, social, and health consequences. However, limited empirical evidence exists in the context of the Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding the influence of demographic and psychological factors on recent drug use behaviour. This study examined the demographic and selected psychological predictors of past 30-day drug use among respondents in Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study used a structured questionnaire distributed to 380 young adults in the Tabuk Region. The questionnaire consisted of seven sections measuring demographic characteristics, substance use severity, family interaction, peer influence, perceived stress, parental attachment, and help-seeking behaviour. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis using a logit model to identify significant predictors of past 30-day drug use. The findings indicated that younger age was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of past 30-day drug use. In contrast, respondents aged 35–40 were less likely to report drug use compared to those aged 18–24. Positive family interaction and emotional help-seeking behaviour were identified as significant protective factors against drug use. In contrast, religious and extended family support showed a significant positive association with drug use. Peer influence was not statistically significant in the final model. The study concludes that past 30-day drug use is influenced by demographic and psychological factors, with family interaction and emotional coping playing a central protective role. These findings highlight the importance of family-based interventions, mental health support services, and targeted prevention programmes for young adults in Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia.
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