The Relationship between Depression Symptoms and Substance Use among High School Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2025-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between depressive symptoms and substance use
(tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) among 365 students from Bole Senior Secondary School
and Lem General Secondary School in Bole Sub-City, Addis Ababa. The objectives were to
examine the relationship between depression and substance use and to explore demographic
factors (gender, family income, and parental education) associated with them. Data were
collected using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Alcohol, Smoking and
Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), and analyzed through Pearson’s
correlation, t-test, and ANOVA. Results revealed a significant (p < .001) moderate positive
correlation between depression and substance use, with females reporting higher depression
symptoms than males (p < .001). These findings highlight the need for integrated mental
health and substance use prevention programs and gender-sensitive interventions.
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Keywords
Relationship between Depression symptoms