The experiences of adolescent substance use initiation and patterns of use in Taiwan

23^rd World Nursing and Healthcare Conference

July 10-12, 2017 Berlin, Germany

Hwey-Fang Liang and Kuang-Ming Wu

PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chia-Yi Campus, Taiwan
EdD, Assistant Professor, College of Education, Department of Early Childhood Education, National Chiayi University, Taiwan

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Background: Betel nut is a familiar masticatory substance used in Far East Asia areas. In Taiwan, betel nut chewing is one of the major reasons which caused oral cancer. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine experiences of adolescents� first experiences of using and chewing betel nuts. It included patterns of use and how and when started in order to explore circumstances, context of early substance use, and patterns of use it. Based on the finding, researchers may develop strategies to prevent risks of substance use for other young people. Methods: An interpretive qualitative design was chosen. Semi-structured interview guide and focus groups were completed with twenty participants who had Betel nut chewing in Taiwan. Data was analyzed by content analysis. Results: Results indicated four main themes: (1) being curious (a) being a handsome guy, (b) different with other peers (2) the same as my friends (a) my good friends had chewing, (b) easy to communicate with peers (3) full of spirit while chewing (a) for relax and loose (b) delight with peers. (4) grown up (a) same as families, or elders (b) can do what little child cannot compete. Conclusions: Research suggests that interventions targeting for this population should focus on improving parental or family education toward adolescent substance use and efforts to increase interventions for adolescents from the high-risk families.

Biography :

Dr. Hwey-Fang Liang came from Taiwan. She completed her Ph.D. in the School of Nursing of Duquesne University, PA, USA. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing in Chang Gung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. She has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals with English and Chinese and still concentrate herself in nursing research.