Behavioral Intention to Avoid Drug Abuse Works as Protective Factor among Adolescent

Abstract

Background: Young people engage in risky behaviors unintentionally and these behaviors might be reduced or inhibited by preventative behaviors. Although adolescents' risky behaviors are known as unplanned or unintentional, preventative behaviors are intentional. The aim of the present study was to assess students' behavior intentions to avoid drug abuse.

Methods: This study was a cross sectional design that male high school students (n= 176) in Tehran, Iran completed a questionnaire assessing behavior intentions to avoid drug abuse, self-control, selfefficacy, perceived susceptibility, and negative attitudes toward drug abuse, peer resistance skills and substance abuse related behaviors.

Results: Peer resistance skills, negative attitude toward drugs, perceived self- efficacy, and high selfcontrol were four predictors on intention against drug abuse. Moreover, students' educational status, interested in school and truancy and spending with friends were other predictors for intention against drug abuse.

Conclusion: Healthy behaviors are intentional. As a result improving behavior intentions to avoid drug abuse would act as a protective factor for preventing drug abuse among adolescents as well as preventing high-risk behaviors.