Attitudes towards substance use among young adults in Malta

Abstract

This research addresses the attitudes towards the use of substances among young people in Malta, aged between 18 to 30. The participants chosen for this study attend different schools around Malta. The research focused on the attitudes towards a wide range of substances such as alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and heroin. Quantitative research methodology was employed and data were collected via an anonymous online survey. The Participants (N = 100) provided information on age, gender, marital status, education level and completed the Drug Attitude Scale (DAS). Results showed that younger participants, males, and single individuals had a more positive attitude towards the use of substances. Individuals with post-secondary education were in favour of cannabis legislation in Malta. From the drug attitude scale, it was noticed that the following demographic factors, age, gender, relationship status, and education level had no statistical significance. However, from the additional statements that were treated separately, the statement 'With the use of drugs one can socialise better' had statistically significance for married participants and participants in a relationship. The next statement, 'People who use drugs are a burden to society,' had statistically significant for undergraduates, postgraduates, and those with secondary education. Further research is needed which focuses more on the different marital statuses and levels of education found within the society and their attitudes towards drug use.