SUBSTANCE USE BEHAVIOR AND FACTORS RELATED TO SUBSTANCE USE BEHAVIOR AMONG POOR HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS OF COMMUINTIES IN ROI ET PROVINCE

Abstract

               Objective: To study substance use behavior and factors related to substance use among poor household members of communities in Roi Et province.

               Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study design was employed, gathering data through face-to-face interviews with poor household members in Thung Kula Rong Hai, Roi Et Province. A systematic random sampling method was utilized, involving a sample size of 335 participants, with data collection conducted between January- March 2024. The research tools included: 1) a general information questionnaire and 2) the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST V 3.1). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine the relationships between various factors and substance use.

               Results: The findings indicated that participants had previously experienced substance use, including alcohol consumption (84.77%) at some point in their lives, smoking (71.34%) in the past 12 months, and alcohol consumption (67.16%) in the past 3 months. Gender, age, marital status, education level, main occupation, family structure characteristics, and the number of family members with high dependency were associated with substance use with statistical significance (p < 0.001), and the debt burden with statistical significance (p < 0.05).

               Conclusion: The findings of this research can serve as foundational data for further studies aimed at preventing and addressing substance use behaviors in impoverished households.