Page 389 - Contributed Paper Session (CPS) - Volume 2

CPS1899 Ira Joy H.M.

Investigating drug use among Filipino youth
Ira Joy Hernandez Martin
University of the Philippines

Abstract
In this study significant factors associated with drug use among Filipino youth
were determined and a model was generated to predict the odds of a Filipino
youth to engage in drug use activity. The data used was from 2013 Young
Adult Fertility and Sexuality survey which covers youths in the Philippines
aging from 15 to 24 years. Appropriate tests were applied to find the
significantly associated variables with drug use and 11 out of the 152
significantly associated variables were included in the final binary logistic
model where among these categories, the following factors protects a youth
from using drugs: often attends religious services at least once a week, family
members frequently or almost always eat together at least one meal a day,
sees gambling as wrong activity, and life satisfaction. While the following
factors increases the risk of a youth in using drugs: single male; married male;
from regions Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region,
SOCCSKSARGEN, and ARMM; from birth up to age 18, 2nd person approves
having a romantic relationship before age 18; member of a fraternity/sorority;
had been suspended from attending classes; worked for pay in cash or in kind;
and read pornographic or sexually explicit books/magazines/tabloids. The
results of this study could be used to improve existing policies and programs
on drug use among youth.

Keywords
Odds; binary logistic model; illegal drug use

1. Introduction
One of the most dangerous and destructive risks taken among youths of
today is the use of drugs. Researches show that youths who engage in drug
use often have multiple problems, including problems on health, family and
community, and education and employment.
The Demographic Research and Development Foundation (DRDF) and
University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) reported that one out
of 25 or 4% among 18,045,895 youth aged 15-24 had used drugs, and this
number does not include street children where drug use is suspected to be
more prevalent. Lately, the Philippines face social and even political problems
arising from rampant use of illegal drugs. In a national effort to curb the heavy

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