Mothers’ Knowledge and Attitude on Early Identification of Substance Abuse in Children

Substance abuse is a common phenomenon worldwide and has become one of the most significant social issues, adversely affecting human society. Substance abuse refers to a maladaptive pattern of drug use that leads to negative consequences and encompasses a range of cognitive, behavioural, and psychological symptoms. The present study aims to assess mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding the early identification of substance abuse in children. The objectives of the study were: to assess mothers' level of knowledge, to assess their attitudes, and to determine the association between demographic variables and mothers’ knowledge and attitudes on the early identification of substance abuse in children. The conceptual framework was based on the Health Belief Model. The tools used included a socio-demographic proforma, self-structured knowledge questionnaires, and an attitude rating scale. A pilot study was conducted, followed by data collection among 100 mothers selected from rural areas of Kozhikode. Data collection began with the administration of the socio-demographic proforma, followed by self-structured questionnaires and the attitude rating scale. The data were tabulated and analysed. The findings showed that a majority of mothers had excellent awareness (61%), 21% had good awareness, 10% had moderate awareness, and 8% had low awareness. The majority exhibited a positive attitude towards early identification of substance abuse among children (81%), 17% had a moderate attitude, and 2% had a negative attitude. There was a significant association between education level and knowledge, as well as a significant association between family relationships and mothers’ attitudes toward the early identification of substance abuse in children.