Prevalence and Determinants of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse Among Male Youth in Dehradun, Uttarakhand: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Youth are particularly vulnerable to health risk behaviors such as tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use, which can have long-term consequences on physical, emotional, and social well-being. Understanding the patterns and determinants of substance use is crucial for developing targeted interventions. Objective: To assess the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and illicit drug abuse among male youth aged 15–24 years in rural and urban areas of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted over six months and included 1,800 male participants selected using multistage stratified random sampling from higher secondary schools, colleges, and urban/rural communities. A modified version of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and Big Five Inventory was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 with descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, p<0.05). Results: The prevalence of ever use of tobacco was 33.8%, current smoking 25.2%, and ever alcohol use 26.0%, with significantly higher rates among urban youth compared to rural (p<0.0001). Early initiation before 18 years was common across substances. Illicit drug use was reported by 6.3% of participants, with opium being the most frequently abused substance. Significant associations were observed with place of residence, age group, academic profile, and personality traits (extroversion, lack of direction, neuroticism). Conclusion: Substance abuse is alarmingly prevalent among male youth in Dehradun, with urban residence, older age, and certain personality traits as key risk factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, youth-focused health promotion strategies, regular screening, and psychosocial interventions.