Background. The recent epidemiological studies conducted in Belarus point to a fall in the average age of registered drug abusers and in the age of drug use onset, an increasing proportion of injecting drugs, and addicted persons. The aim of the study was to evaluate the age differences in the prevalence of psychoactive substance abuse in the Republic of Belarus using the official data of the Ministry of Health. Material and methods. The data on registered drug abusers, who were recorded in the Narcological Register in health care institutions between 2000 and 2014, were analyzed. Results. During that period the number of drug abusers under observation increased almost 3 times, and the situation with the spread of psychoactive substances changed towards appearance of synthetic drugs. The spread of particular drugs (opioids, cannabinoides, inhalants, and Spice based designer drugs) was shown to be depended upon the age of registered drug abusers. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate necessity of the age-related studies on drug abuse prevalence, and might be useful for working up preventive measures to stop the spread of drug addiction.

The aim of this study was to investigate chosen aspects of the lifestyle of soccer fans. Methods. The study was conducted among 200 fans. In the study a diagnostic survey was employed, with the use of the techniques of questionnaire, interview, document analysis and participant observation. In order to draw statistical conclusions, the trait frequency, the independence χ 2 test and multiple correspondence analysis were used. Results. The community of active fans is characterized by various kinds of behavior. Fans aged 15-19, for whom important motives for cheering were the opportunity to be with a group and a sense of connectedness, as well as a sense of strength and power, declared consumption of alcoholic beverages before matches. For fans aged 20-24, who more often practiced combat sports and exercised in the gym, an important motive for cheering was the opportunity to meet their friends and let off steam during the match. They regarded devastation of sports facilities and burning scarves as acts of hooliganism. Fans aged 25-29, and 30 or above admitted that they sometimes consumed alcoholic beverages before the game. Conclusions. There is a necessity to educate children and youth in sports cheering.