Epidemiological patterns of new psychoactive substances use in Tunisian school adolescents, 2021

Abstract

Introduction The emergence of New Psycho-active Substances (NPS) such as Synthetic cannabinoid and cathinone, represents a challenging issue for drug policy globally. In order to set up new adjusted measures to limit this phenomenon extension, objective epidemiologic indicators are requested. Objectives We aimed to determine the prevalence of Synthetic cannabinoid and cathinone consumption in Tunisian adolescents by gender and regional distribution. Methods Data from the Mediterranean school survey on alcohol and other drugs (MedSPAD III-2021) were used. Based on three-stage stratification sampling method, high school teenagers in first and second grades of secondary education, were enrolled. Data collection was performed using a self-administered standardized questionnaire. We examined weighted prevalence estimates of NPS use at least once in a lifetime (Synthetic cannabinoid and cathinone) by gender and regional distribution. Epi data software was used for data entry and all statistical analysis were performed with STATA software. Results The survey included 6201 adolescents with a mean age of 16.8 years and a sex ratio female/male of 1.5. Synthetic cannabinoid’s use was reported by 1.9%, 95% CI [1.57-2.39] of students, with statistically significant difference between boys (4.1%) and girls (0.6%), p-value<10-4 . This consumption was the highest in Tunis the capital city, the center-east and the north-east (2.7%, 2.2% and 2% respectively). As for synthetic cathinone’s use, it was reported by 0.36% 95%CI [0.24-0.56] of our study sample, with statistically significant difference between boys (0.8%) and girls (0.8%), p-value<10-4 . Conclusions Our study highlighted an emerging use of NPS among high school students with significant male predominance. Further research on NPS epidemiology is, hence, needed to reinforce evidence-based management strategies aiming at fighting this phenomenon. Sensitization of decision makers to control accessibility, and increasing awareness among adolescents’ close family / school-staff environment regarding this issue, are strongly recommended. Disclosure of Interest None Declared