[Relationship between problem solving skill and ecstasy usage among adolescents]

ABSTRACT

Life skills play a significant role in adolescents' health promotion and have a positive effect on modifying their high-risk behaviors. A great deal of studies has shown that problem solving may affect drug usingbehavior. The purpose of this study is to determine adolescents' problem solving skill and its relation with ecstasy usage among adolescents of the west of Tehran. In a cross-sectional [correlative] study. Eight hundred adolescents ranging from 16-18 years old residing in the western public regions of Tehran participated in the study. Problem-solving skill was determined using "problem solving inventory". Adolescents' usage of ecstasy was measured by a self-structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were completed by participants after obtaining an informed consent. Our finding revealed that most of participants [69.4%] enjoyed good problem-solving skills. Also, findings indicated that 7.6% of adolescents have experienced ecstasy usage once at least. There was a significant relationship between problem-solving skill and ecstasy usage in adolescents [P=0.001]. Regarding the findings, it is recommended to reinforce life skills in adolescents by emphasizing the role of parents, peers and friends to prevent substance abuse. It isalso recommended that some programs are required to be executed regarding prohibited substances including ecstasy and their complications to increase publicgeneral information