Prevalence and factors associated with alcohol and substance use among secondary school adolescents in central and Eastern Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alcohol and substance use is a major public health concern in Uganda, with limited evidence focused on school-going adolescents. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with alcohol and substance use among adolescents in secondary schools in Central and Eastern Uganda.

Methods

This cross-sectional study surveyed 1,833 adolescents aged 10-18 years from eight randomly selected secondary schools in Iganga (Eastern) and Mukono (Central) districts. Schools were stratified by ownership (private or public), and geographic setting (eastern or central). We used the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5) to assess the primary outcomes: significant use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and impairment from any substance use. Logistic regression mo

SUBMITTER: Bing W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12821920 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature