Heywood, Sarah (1996) Survey of Tipperary post-primary students' views and experiences of illegal drugs, 1995-1996. Templemore: Garda Research Unit.
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This report presents information on drug usage by adolescents in County Tipperary. An extensive questionnaire survey of post-primary school pupils between the ages of 15 and 19 was conducted using a stratified random sampling approach. Schools and classes were selected in a random and representative manner. Over 600 questionnaires were completed. The report consists of two sets of analysis: Analysis of the entire survey sample and analysis of a sub-section of the total population, the latter group excluding those who were deemed "over reporters." 50.9% of respondents had smoked a whole cigarette in the past 12 months, 60.6% claimed to have consumed a whole alcoholic drink in the past 12 months. In the smaller sample, 22% reported having taken one or more illegal drugs. Cannabis is the most common drug used (12%) followed by hallucinogens (7%) and ecstasy (3%). Most students surveyed did view illegal drug consumption in a favourable light. Polydrug use is not the norm; friends are the most usual suppliers of drugs. Half the respondents reported getting no education about illegal drugs, and of those who did, 35% did not find it of value. Extensive use of alcohol and cigarettes by young people continues to be a problem, however use of illegal drugs is not a large problem. The report concludes that efforts to prevent drug abuse should begin with early childhood education and family support, parent training and school organisational strategies. The report recommends the setting up of a task force to deal with this issue.
F Concepts in psychology > Attitude > Attitude toward substance use
T Demographic characteristics > Student (secondary level)
A Substance use and dependence > Prevalence > Substance use behaviour
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland > Tipperary
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