PERCEIVED STRESS AND SUBSTANCE USE AMONG ALBANIAN ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Erika MELONASHI

Abstract

Background: Increasing rates of substance use among Albanian youth, particularly among female users, has become an important public health concern, but no studies so far have examined the potential relationships of this behavior with stress levels. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate support for the self-medication model by assessing stress levels and substance use in a sample of Albanian adolescent girls. Methods: The study sample comprised 112 adolescent girls, 15-18 years old, Mage= 16.1 years old, SD=1.52. The study used a self-report questionnaire containing the Perceived Stress Scale and items assessing smoking behavior, alcohol drinking, and marijuana use. Results: Results showed that low-stress levels were reported by 27.7% of the sample, moderate stress by 66%, and high stress by 6.3% of the sample. Regular alcohol drinking was reported by 8.9% of the sample, regular marijuana use by 2.5%, and regular smoking by 1.8% of the sample. When occasional users were considered, figures went up to 25% for current smokers, 16% for current alcohol drinking, and 7.1% for marijuana use. Linear regression analysis resulted in a statistically significant model F (4, 108) = 3.14, p =.017 explaining 10.8% of the variance in stress levels. The only two significant predictors were alcohol drinking, β = -.23, p<.05, and marijuana use, β = .22, p<.05. Conclusions: The self-medication model was supported for alcohol drinking but not marijuana use or smoking behavior. Findings have implications for future research with adolescent girls, as well as prevention and intervention programs in schools and communities.

Pages: 68 - 73