Association of Family Background with Adolescent Smoking and Regular Use of Illicit Substances Among Underage Psychiatric In-Patients

Abstract

This study investigated whether adolescent's family type was associated with regular smoking or the use of illicit substances (cannabis or hard drugs) among underage adolescent psychiatric in-patients. The sample consisted of 471 adolescents aged 12-17 years admitted to psychiatric hospital between April 2001 and March 2006 at Oulu University Hospital, Finland. The information on family factors and substance use was based on the Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children, Present and Lifetime interview and the European modification of the Addiction Severity Index questionnaire. Compared to adolescent boys from two-parent families, those from child welfare placement were more likely to regularly use both cannabis (odds ratio [OR]=4.4; 95%confidence interval [CI]=1.4-13.7; P=.012) and hard drugs (OR=8.4; 95% CI=1.7-42.1; P=.01).Among girls, no association was found between family type and the use of illicit substances. Two-parent or foster family units may protect adolescents from involvement with illicit substances. In clinical adolescent psychiatric practice more attention should be paid to family interventions and parental support.

Associations between a risky psychosocial childhood and recurrent addiction compulsory care as adult

“…There is, however, research that indicates that there are not similar effects of institutionalisation compared to foster care on outcomes (Strijbosch et al, 2015). One study by Laukkanen, Hakko, Riala, and Räsänen (2008) showed that boys who were placed in institutions were more likely to abuse drugs than boys who grew up in foster care, or with their parents. These findings indicate a need to separately explore the relationship between having a history of foster care and a history of institutionalisation on repeated LVM care as an adult.…”

“…Studies on consequences of youth institutionalisation and foster care are conflicting (Preyde et al, 2011; Souverein et al, 2013). Some studies show negative outcomes of institutionalisation (Andrews & Dowden, 2006; Dodge, et al, 2006; Grahn et al, 2015), while other studies show positive effects of institutionalisation and foster care (De Swart et al, 2012; Knorth et al, 2008; Laukkanen et al, 2008).…”