Speaker
Description
Epidemiological research on addiction-related habits and behaviours has not been conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last decade. The Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO NE, based on the European Prevention Curriculum, conducted the first analytical epidemiological research since 2016. The study examined internet usage habits, gambling, consumption of tobacco products, alcohol and marijuana, the relationship between parenting styles and substance use, and school policies regulating tobacco and alcohol usage within the school compound. The sample included 1066 respondents, students aged 13–17 from 27 schools in 24 municipalities.
A multi-method approach was used, collecting quantitative and qualitative data through desk analysis, administering student questionnaires, and focus groups. A Likert-scale questionnaire was applied for the quantitative analysis, and focus groups were utilized for qualitative insights.
91.2% of respondents spend more than two hours daily using the Internet, 24.9% engage in gambling. 18% smoke cigarettes, 24.8% use e-cigarettes, Snus 6.4%, and hookahs 26.4%. Alcohol is consumed by 20.3%, and marijuana by 6%. 79.9% of respondents say that they spend their free time in a quality and useful way and that their local communities lack sports fields or youth centres for organising their free time in a better way.
Students identified curiosity, peer pressure, and a desire for social recognition as key factors in risky behaviours.
The availability of legally forbidden sales of tobacco and alcohol products and gambling possibilities to minors is of great concern.
Authoritative parenting styles were highlighted as preventive for undesirable patterns in children and youth.
| Conflict of interest | no conflict of interest |
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