The Relationship of Substance Abuse with Depression and Stress in Diabetic Adolescents Mediated by Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving Skills

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. Due to its specific problems, it can sometimes lead to substance abuse in adolescents through reduced health and increased depression and stress. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship of substance abuse with depression and stress in diabetic adolescents mediated by conflict resolution and problem solving skills.

 This is a descriptive/correlational study. The study population consisted of all diabetic adolescent members of Urmia Diabetes Association and those referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital and diabetes specialists in Urmia city in Spring 2019. Of these, 206 were selected using a purposive sampling method. data collection tools were Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory - Adolescents Version (Miller & Lazowski, 2001), Beck’s Depression Inventory (Beck et al, 1988), The Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al, 1983), Problem Solving Inventory (Heppner & Petersen, 1982) and Conflict Resolution Style Inventory (Weeks, 1994). Collected data were analyzed by using Pearson correlation test and structural equation modeling in SPSS and LISREL applications.

 All ethical principles were considered in this study,.

 Depression and stress directly had a negative and significant effect on conflict resolution and problem solving skills, but had no significant effect on substance abuse. Conflict resolution and problem solving skills directly had a negative and significant effect on substance abuse. Moreover, depression and stress indirectly had a significant effect on substance abuse through medication by conflict resolution and problem solving skills (P<0.05).

 Depression and stress can lead to increased substance abuse in diabetic adolescents by decreasing conflict resolution and problem solving skills. Therefore, in order to reduce substance abuse in these patients, it is recommended to hold training workshops to reduce their depression and stress and improve conflict resolution and problem solving skills.