@article{ref1,
title="Novel psychoactive substances: use and knowledge among adolescents and young adults in urban and rural areas",
journal="Human psychopharmacology",
year="2015",
author="Martinotti, Giovanni and Lupi, Matteo and Carlucci, Leonardo and Cinosi, Eduardo and Santacroce, Rita and Acciavatti, Tiziano and Chillemi, Eleonora and Bonifaci, Ludovica and Janiri, Luigi and di Giannantonio, Massimo",
volume="30",
number="4",
pages="295-301",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are new psychotropic drugs, not scheduled under the International Conventions on Psychotropic Substances, but which may pose a relevant public health threat. In this study, we investigated knowledge and use of NPS in a sample of Italian youth in urban and rural areas. <br><br>METHODS: Between December 2012 and October 2013, we administered a questionnaire to a sample of 3011 healthy subjects (44.7% men; 55.3% women), aged between 16 and 24 years and recruited in urban, intermediate and rural areas of Italy. <br><br>RESULTS: Of the global sample, 53.3% declared to have some knowledge on NPS, with a higher knowledge in urban areas. Mephedrone (26%), desomorphine (22.6%) and methamphetamine (21.7%) were the most commonly known drugs. NPS use was reported by 4.7% of the sample, without significant differences between urban and rural areas; mephedrone (3.3%), synthetic cannabinoids (1.2%) and Salvia divinorum (0.3%) consumption has been identified. NPS use was also predictive of binge-drinking behaviours (χ(2) (4) = 929.58, p < .001). <br><br>DISCUSSION: Urban areas may represent a focal point for preventive strategies, given the presence of higher levels of NPS knowledge. Moreover, the association between binge-drinking habits and NPS use was really strong. This issue should not be underestimated because of its medical, psychopathological and social consequences. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0885-6222",
doi="10.1002/hup.2486",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hup.2486"
}