Awareness amongst the Maltese society on youth prescription drug misuse and abuse

Abstract

Non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is expanding globally. In Malta there is an insufficient number of data in this field, particularly amongst the Maltese society on youth prescription drug misuse and abuse. The goal of this dissertation was to investigate whether the Maltese society in general has enough awareness regarding youth prescription drug abuse and misuse. Moreover, to establish the reality of the problem of prescription drug abuse and misuse focusing on youth and which prescription drugs are more likely to be abused and misused. This research includes prescription medications as they carry possible development for misuse and abuse. Moreover, this research was intended to determine whether the Maltese society in general agrees that there is a problem within the youth regarding prescription drug medicine misuse and abuse. Data for this quantitative study was gathered by means of an anonymous online questionnaire. Afterwards, data was examined by using Google Forms. The data collected was then examined to determine which perceptions and misconceptions participants associated the most. Firstly, results showed that the majority of the participants involved were mainly females and that most of these participants were aged between 20-40 years, and knowing the difference between misuse and abuse. Secondly, as reported from the participants, the most form of misuse was using old medicines to self-treat. Thirdly, results showed the knowledge of participant’s awareness on prescription medicine abuse and misuse. Fourthly, most of the participants reported that prescription medication drugs are equally dangerous to illegal drugs. Fourthly, the results displayed the knowledge if prescription medicine abuse and misuse is a common factor among youths is equally divided in a ‘yes’ and ‘maybe’ answer. Furthermore, when compared to E.U, Maltese youths still have a higher average rate of mixing alcohol with pills. This dissertation conveys a more accurate description on the rates of prescription drugs amongst youths, the non-medical use of prescription drugs and the dangers of prescription drugs. Shortly, this dissertation concluded that the perceptions differ regarding age and gender, and even across the educational background and employment. The findings show that the participants are more likely to be aware on the difference between abuse and misuse and that they recognise that prescription medicines could be misused and abused. This is quite encouraging since the higher the awareness and the education; the less prone are people to abuse and misuse. Despite saying this, the number of participants was quite low therefore it is recommended that such a study is performed on a larger group of population.