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Youth

COVID-19 Lockdown's Impact on Adolescents' Substance Use in Italy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in Italy found that adolescents experienced increased stress and substance use during the lockdown period. With a nationwide lockdown in place, the Italian government restricted movement and implemented online distance learning, which resulted in a particularly stressful situation for adolescents. According to the study, 6027 Italian students aged 15-19 were surveyed, with 52.4% being male, and the data collected was matched with that from the previous year to make them comparable. The study found that the prevalence of substance consumption decreased during the lockdown period, with alcohol being the most commonly used substance (43.1%). Additionally, changes in factors associated with psychoactive substance use were observed, particularly with respect to painkillers and non-prescription drugs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that adolescents in Italy experienced increased stress and substance use during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.
  • The prevalence of substance consumption decreased during the lockdown period, with alcohol being the most commonly used substance (43.1%).
  • Changes in factors associated with psychoactive substance use were observed, particularly with respect to painkillers and non-prescription drugs.
  • Students with particular risk factors continued to use psychoactive substances, possibly changing the type of substance used.
  • The study found that spending money without parental control was associated with painkillers and non-prescription drug use in 2020, unlike in the 2019 model.
  • Risk perception was not associated with painkillers and non-prescription drug use in 2020, unlike in the 2019 model.

Statistics:

  • 6027 Italian students aged 15-19 were surveyed during the study.
  • 52.4% of the students surveyed were male.
  • 43.1% of the students reported consuming alcohol during the lockdown period.
  • Prescription painkillers and non-prescription drugs were consumed by students with specific risk factors.

Sources:

  • Adolescents' Psychoactive Substance Use During the First COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross Sectional Study in Italy. Child & Youth Care Forum, 2022:1-19.
  • Child & Youth Care Forum can be contacted at: Springer, One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, Ny, United States.
  • The research was conducted by Federica Baldini, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (CNR), Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.

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