Objective: To describe the current status of psychoactive substance use, as assessed by the DAST-10, among patients aged 15-24 years at the National Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital.
Subjects and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 153 inpatients aged 15-24 years receiving treatment at the National Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital.
Results: Among the 153 adolescent inpatients, the prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 20.3%. The mean age at substance use initiation was 16.10 ± 2.51 years. According to the DAST-10, 77.4% of substance users were classified as having moderate to very high risk, of whom 45.1% required intensive assessment and intervention. Cannabis and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were the two most commonly used substances, reported by 45.2% and 41.9% of substance users, respectively.
Conclusion: Psychoactive substance use was relatively common among adolescent psychiatric inpatients and tended to begin at an early age. Most substance users were identified by the DAST-10 as being at a risk level requiring further assessment and intervention. Cannabis and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) were the most commonly used substances, highlighting the need to strengthen screening and early intervention for substance use disorders among adolescents.