Substance Abuse and Childhood Trauma Experiences: Comparison between Incarcerated and Non-incarcerated Youth

Problem statementIncrease involvement of youth in substance abuse has been a major issue internationally. Various studies have been conducted to explore the risk factors, which mostly focus on their childhood trauma experiences.Research questionsWhat is the prevalence of substance abuse and childhood trauma experiences among incarcerated youth? What is the prevalence of substance abuse and childhood trauma experiences among non-incarcerated youth? Is there difference between the two? Are childhood trauma experiences significantly associated with substance abuse?Purpose of the studyTo compare the prevalence of substance abuse and childhood trauma experiences between incarcerated and non-incarcerated youth, and to examine the association between substance abuse and childhood trauma experiences among the youth.Research methodA cross-sectional study was designed using two psychometric instruments namely Simple Screening Instrument for Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Purposive-selective sampling method was used. In total, 765 youths (123 incarcerated, 642 non-incarcerated) were involved in the study. The data were analysed using statistical software. Independent t-test and regression analysis were performed to analyse the data.FindingsBoth incarcerated boys and girls had higher prevalence of substance abuse compared with non-incarcerated groups, which was confirmed by independent t-test (p<.001). Significant more incarcerated boys and girls had experienced childhood traumas compared to non-incarcerated. Childhood trauma experiences significantly contribute to substance abuse among incarcerated girls (p<.05), but not to incarcerated boys (p>.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of substance abuse and childhood trauma experiences are higher among incarcerated youth compared to the non-incarcerated youth. In addition, childhood trauma experiences significantly contribute to substance abuse among incarcerated girls. The findings of this study are very useful to provide an empirical knowledge towards a better rehabilitation program design for incarcerated youth.