VOLATILE SUBSTANCE-ABUSE AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS OF EASTERN SAUDI-ARABIA

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional epidemiological survey of volati le solvent (VS) abuse in a representative sample of 1778 male Saudi st udents drawn from nine intermediate and nine secondary schools in thre e urban areas in Eastern Saudi Arabia showed a prevalence rate of 5.3% . The majority (52%) started their abuse between 12 to 14 years of age and the involvement was mostly once (45%) or occasionally (44%), whil e daily abuse was rare (11%). Predominantly (63%), the behavior lasted less than a month and solitary abuse prevailed (54%). The commonly ab used substances were petrol (27%) and glue (23%). VS abuse was signifi cantly associated with family troubles, truancy and smoking, but neith er correlated with socioeconomic status, family structure nor with sch olastic achievement. Preventive measures are suggested.