رابطه بین استفاده از مواد مخدر و بزهکاری در میان دانش آموزان دبیرستانی در شهر کیپ تاون، آفریقای جنوبی

Abstract Research has shown a positive relationship between substance use and delinquent-type behaviours among adolescents. The aim of this study is to explore the temporal relationships between these outcomes through secondary data analysis of a longitudinal study of high-school students' risk behaviours. Two regression models were compared and gender, socioeconomic status and repeating a grade were found to be consistent predictors of delinquent-type behaviour. Alcohol (OR: 1.26, CI: 1.02–1.55, p = 0.03) and drug use (OR: 1.10, CI: 1.03–1.16, p = 0.002) in the ordinal regression models were significantly associated with delinquent-type behaviours at Time 2 only. A transition model use was then used to measure delinquent-type behaviours as predicted by the previous time period, and results indicated that gender and delinquency were predictive of delinquency. Smoking also significantly interacted with delinquent-type behaviour to increase future risk of this behaviour. The findings point to the need for intervening early with adolescents who show delinquent-type behaviour.

Conclusion In summary, to the best of our knowledge this is the first study to provide evidence of the temporal relationship between tobacco, alcohol and drug use, and delinquent-type behaviours in a developing country setting. As such, it assists in understanding the complex relationship between involvement in substance use and delinquent-type behaviours. More specifically, findings point to the strong association between early engagement in delinquent behaviours and future risk of delinquency. These findings are similar to those found among studies conducted in high-income country settings. In addition, findings clearly point to the need for early interventions that address the high levels of involvement in delinquent-type behaviours among adolescents in Cape Town. Results also suggest that such interventions should target male students who are already displaying delinquent behaviours as well as those who smoke cigarettes as these factors seem to increase risk for future and further engagement in delinquent behaviour. Finally, findings suggest that these interventions should also address other inter-related risk behaviours such as substance use. Researchers should consider adapting or developing and testing prevention and interventions for high-risk adolescents that address multiple problem behaviours as these interventions may offer an efficient and effective means to prevent the escalation of inter-related problem behaviours, especially in developing countries where resources are limited.