Spirituality and substance use in a sample of Russian adolescents

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to examine the effects of spirituality on recent cigarette and alcohol use, intentions to use cigarette and alcohol, and perceived risks of cigarette/alcohol use in a sample of Russian adolescents.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 362 10th graders from Ufa, Russia.

Results: Adolescents scoring higher on spirituality were significantly more likely to report lower levels of intentions to use cigarettes or alcohol. However, spirituality was not associated with recent cigarette/alcohol use or perceived risks. Analyzed separately for ethnic Russians and non-Russians, the relationship between spirituality and intentions were significant only among ethnic non-Russians.

Conclusions: Our data suggests that the protective effects of spirituality on substance use may not be universal and may depend on subjects' national, ethnic, or religious background.