Structural model of substance abuse in adolescents: the roles of individual, psychological, family and social factors

The present study was conducted to evaluate a conceptual model of substance abuse among at-risk students to provide a comprehensive model to predict and explain the behavior of substance abuse.
A sample of 413 high school students (199 boys and 214 girls) were studied in Kerman for academic year 2015-2016 was selected using multi-stage cluster sampling and was surveyed regarding their use "risky behavior questionnaire" and "risk and protective factors questionnaire". This study employed a latent variable approach including a series of structural equation model using LISREL software.
The results of structural equation mode confirmed conceptual of substance abuse among at-risk students in that social risk factors such as school and family bonding and social disorganization were the most powerful direct predictor of substance abuse among high risk students and individual factors such as self-concept, self-management skills and social mediate relationships of social factors and drug use. According with structural model of substance abuse, self-concept mediated the relationship between school and family bonding and social disorganization and self-management and substance abuse.
The tested model fit is acceptable and important step in learning about different aspects of individual, family, community and school related to substance use in adolescents at risk. Also this model is very useful as an ideal model for design and development of comprehensive programs for the prevention of risky behaviors.