The Relationship between Mental Health and Drug-use among Nepali Adolescents

The purpose of this study is to identify the mental health status of Nepali adolescents and understand the factors that trigger the risk of drug-use. Survey has been conducted in the capital city of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur with 463 Nepali adolescents age group 13 to 19 using the scales of anxiety, depression, stress, cognitive-emotion regulation, self-esteem, potential drug-use. The results of this study are as follows. First, the level of anxiety, depression, and stress are within the scope of ‘mild to moderate,’ ‘mild,’ ‘moderate’ respectively. The level of self-esteem is within the range of ‘normal,’ and potential of drug-use is also within the scope of ‘non-potential drug-use.’ Second, the mental health-related variables selected in this study is accounted for about 23.4% of potential drug-use. Depression, self-esteem, and less adaptive cognitive emotional regulation has a significant impact on potential drug-use, while other variables do not. This study is worthwhile to provide basic data for the development of a mental health program and addiction prevention programs for Nepali adolescents.