The risk of drug use among students in educational institutions has been a growing concern worldwide. Recent studies from Western countries suggest that private school students may be more prone to drug use than their public school counterparts. However, there is limited evidence from Muslim countries. A comprehensive survey conducted in Kerman, Iran, aims to explore whether students in private schools are at a higher risk of drug use compared to those in public schools. This study provides critical insights into the prevalence of drug use among Iranian high school students and examines the influence of school culture and socioeconomic factors on drug use.

Prevalence of Drug Use

The survey included 650 tenth-grade students from Kerman, the centre of the largest province in Iran, with a response rate of 93.7%. The study revealed that the prevalence of current cigarette use among these students was 5.6%, while current alcohol use stood at 9.9%. Notably, the prevalence of regular waterpipe smoking among Iranian adolescents was reported as the highest in the world.

School Culture and Drug Use

The study emphasises the significant role of classmates and the school environment in initiating drug use among high school students. School culture, which consists of shared values, behaviours, and norms, is identified as a crucial environmental factor that can either exacerbate or reduce the likelihood of drug use among youth. In Iran, private schools are often perceived as superior due to their higher educational costs and the belief that they better prepare students for the future. Parents assume that private school students are less likely to engage in drug use because of enhanced anti-drug education programs and a seemingly safer school environment.

Comparison Between Public and Private Schools

The study compared three domains to assess the likelihood of drug use: the frequency of drug use by students, the drug use tendency of students, and students’ perception of drug use prevalence among classmates. The results showed that the prevalence of current and lifetime use of cigarettes and marijuana was higher in private schools than in public schools. Specifically, 12.2% of private school students reported current cigarette use compared to 4.4% in public schools. Similarly, marijuana use was higher in private schools at 3.0% compared to 0.5% in public schools.

Socioeconomic Factors

The study suggests several reasons why students in private schools might exhibit higher drug use prevalence. These include:

1. Affordability and Accessibility: Affluent students may have easier access to drugs and more disposable income, increasing their likelihood of drug use.
2. Parental Attitudes: Parents from high-income families may have more permissive attitudes towards alcohol and drug use.
3. Religiosity: There is a noted negative correlation between religiosity and socioeconomic status, with religious beliefs offering some protection against alcohol use.
4. Individualism: The culture of individualism prevalent in affluent families may lead to a sense of isolation from parental oversight.
5. Academic Pressure: High expectations for academic performance in private schools may create stress, leading to drug use as a coping mechanism.

Implications for Parents and Educators

The findings challenge the notion that private schools inherently provide a safer environment against drug use. The research highlights the importance of parental involvement and the need for comprehensive drug education programs that address the specific challenges faced by students in both public and private schools. Parents should not solely rely on schools to combat drug use but should actively participate in their children’s education and well-being.

Source: Academia.edu