Introduction

Studies on novel psychoactive substance (NPS) use by adolescents carried out to date in Poland have mainly included those adolescents attending mainstream schools. However, there is a lack of research involving those in special education centres (SEC) i.e., youth sociotherapy centres (MOS) and youth correctional centres (MOW). The aim of this study was to identify individual and social factors associated with NPS use among the attendees of these institutions.

Material and methods

The study was conducted in 2018 on a random nationwide sample residents aged 12-19 years at two types of SEC (N = 1730). Socio-demographic variables and individual and social risk/protective factors were entered into regression analyses (GENLIN with gamma distribution).

Results

Individual factors associated with NPS use were sensation-seeking, subjective norms conducive to psychoactive substance use and depressive symptoms (risk factors) and self-control ability (protective factor). Among the factors related to the social environment, perceived problems with drug use among peers and alcohol use by non-familial adults (risk factors) as well as parental monitoring of teenagers’ leisure time and the SEC facility’s positive social climate (protective factors) were found to be significant.

Discussion

The analyses confirmed the importance of risk and protective factors associated with substance use identified also in studies among adolescents from mainstream schools.

Conclusions

Preventive activities addressed to SEC attendees should target modifiable factors like shaping subjective norms against the psychoactive substance use, strengthening mental health and improving life skills, including self-control as well as creating the positive social climate at the SEC taking care of youth at-risk.