Association of Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Symptoms among Elementary School Children in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study focuses on Association of substance abuse and psychiatric symptoms among elementary school children in Punjab, Pakistan. To investigate an association of sex with substance use and psychiatric symptoms among elementary school children. This study uses a cross-sectional design using elementary school students in Punjab as its methodological base. To examine substance use patterns, psychiatric symptoms, and related risk and protective factors, data gathering techniques include structured interviews and standardized exams. Data of 301 children was collected from Punjab, Pakistan rated by parents and guardians using in-person and e-forms. Simultaneously, mental health issues like anxiety, sadness, and behavioral disorders are becoming more widely acknowledged in this population. Hence results established were reliable and valid. According to the data, there is a significant relationship between having mental health symptoms and being more likely to take substances However, there should be test retest reliability established for group assessments specifically for any new developed domain or that has not been previously tested in psychiatric populations.