Substance Abuse and Vulnerable Factors: A Study of Rural Punjab, India
Pooja Rani *
Department of Economics and Sociology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Amanpreet Kaur
Department of Economics and Sociology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Devinder Tiwari
Department of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Rapid social transitions and economic instability increase stress, making people vulnerable to these factors. Substance abuse worked as a coping mechanism to manage emotional distress or social pressure. It is influenced by a range of individual, social, and environmental factors.
Aim: This study aims to explore the key factors influencing substance abuse intensity among respondents.
Methods: Study was conducted on 240 respondents selected from eight government de-addiction centres across four districts (Tarn Taran, Patiala, Moga, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar) from three cultural zones of the state through purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Principal Component Analysis (EFA and PCA) identified predictors, while ordinal logistic regression quantified impact.
Results: Study found that younger respondents (16-25 years), those with high impulsivity, had a family history of substance abuse and neglectful parenting. Other vulnerable factors included peer pressure, easy accessibility to substances, unemployment, and lower socio-economic status.
Conclusions: Peer influence and parenting style emerged as the strongest predictors, while socio-economic status had a lower but notable impact. Identifying the key predictors of its intensity is essential for developing targeted interventions. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive strategies focusing on high-risk individuals and socio-environmental factors to curb substance abuse.
Keywords: Substance Abuse, Vulnerable Factors, Vulnerable Groups, Intervention