https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14356/2820 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:30:39 GMT 2026-04-16T09:30:39Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14356/2822 Title: Knowledge, attitudes, & practices on substance use among adolescents in Nepal: research & recommendations Authors: Shrestha, Sunil Hakaju; Pnadey, Ganesh; Tiwari, Prakash; Dulal, Badri; Giri, Krishna Abstract: Introduction: In this report, substance use refers to the use of addictive and harmful substances such as cannabis, opioids, amphetamines, and other stimulants1. Harmful substance use includes any pattern of consumption, whether occasional or regular, that leads to physical, mental, or social harm. This includes commonly used substances like alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit substances2. According to the 2024 UNODC report, more than 275 million people globally are engaged in substance use, with over 39 million suffering from related disorders. Cannabis was the most used drug in 2022, with around 200 million users. Despite having fewer users (60 million), opioids were responsible for 68% of the 180,000 drug-related deaths in 2021 and over half of the years of healthy life lost due to early death or disability. The rising prevalence of substance use among adolescents has become a pressing global public health concern. According to the World Health Organization (2024), more than 25% of individuals aged 15–19 consume alcohol, 10% of those aged 13–15 use tobacco, and approximately 4.7% of adolescents aged 15–16 have experimented with cannabis. Similar trends are emerging across South Asia, where substance use is increasingly linked to factors such as poverty, limited access to quality education and healthcare, peer influence, and exposure to domestic violence3. In 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs, with technical assistance from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and expert oversight from national steering and technical committees, conducted the third Nepal Drug Users Survey. The objective was to analyze substance use patterns, high-risk behaviors, and demographic profiles in order to support the development of informed, evidence-based policies and intervention strategies. The survey estimated that there are 130,424 individuals in Nepal who use hard drugs (excluding alcohol and tobacco) with a staggering 93.3% of users being male and only 6.7% female. Adolescents represented a significant portion of this group, with 19% falling between the ages of 15 and 19. Cannabis emerged as the most commonly used substance (84.7%), followed by tranquilizers (73.1%) and opiates (46.8%). The findings also revealed cannabis as the most frequently initiated and most consistently used substance across a user’s lifetime. The survey further highlighted that the initiation of substance use often begins during adolescence. Among respondents who never smoked cigarettes, 55.6% reported starting between the ages of 15 and 19. Similarly, 71.4% of alcohol users had their first drink within the same age range. In terms of regional prevalence, the highest concentration of adolescent substance users was recorded in Sudurpashchim Province (19.2%), followed by Madhesh Province (14.4%)4. Complementing these findings, the National Mental Health Survey 2020 reported that 4.2% of the general population experienced alcohol use addiction within the past 12 months. Other substance use (excluding nicotine) prevalence was found 0.2% in the general population, while it was 0.6% among adolescents aged 13 to 175. Additionally, a cross-sectional study conducted in western Nepal among 460 students aged 15 to 19 years revealed that 27.4% had used at least one psychoactive substance. Among them, tobacco was the most common (59.3%), followed closely by cannabis (55.6%)6. Description: Research Report. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14356/2822 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14356/2821 Title: Keeping children safe online: a study on online among children in Nepal Authors: Khatri, Bishnu; Shrestha, Sunil Hakaju; Bhattarai, Anju; Dulal, Badri; Giri, Krishna Abstract: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In today’s digital age where children’s engagement with digital technologies is on the rise, it is crucial to address the disparities concerning access to – and safe use of technology among children due to various risks. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap in online safety research, especially concerning pre-teens and teenagers in Nepal. It emphasizes the importance of understanding children’s digital access, devices, online platforms, and cultural diversity in addressing online abuse. It emphasizes the importance of understanding both the benefits and risks associated with children’s digital engagement, including exposure to harmful content, exploitation, trafficking, discrimination, online gambling, hate speech, and more. The report aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to achieve SDG 16.2, to secure a future where every child grows up in a safe, secure and nurturing environment. The research design combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate the factors, causes, and relationships underlying online abuse among children in Nepal. This mixed-methods approach allows for a deeper understanding of this complex issue. The study area covers nine districts across Nepal, ensuring representation from various topographical regions and political divisions. A total of 67 schools were selected randomly, encompassing different provinces and providing regional insights into online abuse prevalence. The research involved 2,259 students from grades 8 to 12. The quantitative data was obtained through self-administered surveys, while focus group discussions, key informant interviews, case stories, and group interviews were used for qualitative insights. A fieldwork plan was implemented to maintain data integrity, and ethical considerations were a priority throughout the research. The study’s ethical approval was granted by the National Health Research Council, ensuring compliance with national ethical standards and regulations. While the study has limitations, such as potential self-reporting biases and sample size constraints, it employs a structured methodology to present high-quality results that can be useful for various audiences. The study examines various aspects of children’s online behavior and experiences, revealing several significant findings. Here are the key highlights of the findings: Description: Research Report. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14356/2821 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z