INTRODUCTION: Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are new psychotropic drugs, not scheduled under the International Conventions on Psychotropic Substances, but which may pose a relevant public health threat. In this study, we investigated knowledge and use of NPS in a sample of Italian youth in urban and rural areas. METHODS: Between December 2012 and October 2013, we administered a questionnaire to a sample of 3011 healthy subjects (44.7% men; 55.3% women), aged between 16 and 24 years and recruited in urban, intermediate and rural areas of Italy. RESULTS: Of the global sample, 53.3% declared to have some knowledge on NPS, with a higher knowledge in urban areas. Mephedrone (26%), desomorphine (22.6%) and methamphetamine (21.7%) were the most commonly known drugs. NPS use was reported by 4.7% of the sample, without significant differences between urban and rural areas; mephedrone (3.3%), synthetic cannabinoids (1.2%) and Salvia divinorum (0.3%) consumption has been identified. NPS use was also predictive of binge-drinking behaviours (χ(2) (4) = 929.58, p < .001). DISCUSSION: Urban areas may represent a focal point for preventive strategies, given the presence of higher levels of NPS knowledge. Moreover, the association between binge-drinking habits and NPS use was really strong. This issue should not be underestimated because of its medical, psychopathological and social consequences.
INTRODUCTION: Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are new psychotropic drugs, not scheduled under the International Conventions on Psychotropic Substances, but which may pose a relevant public health threat. In this study, we investigated knowledge and use of NPS in a sample of Italian youth in urban and rural areas. METHODS: Between December 2012 and October 2013, we administered a questionnaire to a sample of 3011 healthy subjects (44.7% men; 55.3% women), aged between 16 and 24 years and recruited in urban, intermediate and rural areas of Italy. RESULTS: Of the global sample, 53.3% declared to have some knowledge on NPS, with a higher knowledge in urban areas. Mephedrone (26%), desomorphine (22.6%) and methamphetamine (21.7%) were the most commonly known drugs. NPS use was reported by 4.7% of the sample, without significant differences between urban and rural areas; mephedrone (3.3%), synthetic cannabinoids (1.2%) and Salvia divinorum (0.3%) consumption has been identified. NPS use was also predictive of binge-drinking behaviours (χ(2) (4) = 929.58, p < .001). DISCUSSION: Urban areas may represent a focal point for preventive strategies, given the presence of higher levels of NPS knowledge. Moreover, the association between binge-drinking habits and NPS use was really strong. This issue should not be underestimated because of its medical, psychopathological and social consequences.
Authors: Katarina M Janicijevic; Sanja S Kocic; Svetlana R Radevic; Mirjana R Jovanovic; Snezana M Radovanovic Journal: Front Pharmacol Date: 2017-06-13 Impact factor: 5.810
Authors: Zurina Hassan; Oliver G Bosch; Darshan Singh; Suresh Narayanan; B Vicknasingam Kasinather; Erich Seifritz; Johannes Kornhuber; Boris B Quednow; Christian P Müller Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2017-08-18 Impact factor: 4.157
Authors: Fabio Caputo; Teo Vignoli; Claudia Tarli; Marco Domenicali; Giorgio Zoli; Mauro Bernardi; Giovanni Addolorato Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2016-03-05 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Seung Bin Cho; Danielle C Llaneza; Amy E Adkins; Megan Cooke; Kenneth S Kendler; Shaunna L Clark; Danielle M Dick Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2015-10-27 Impact factor: 4.157