Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Substance Use Among Adolescents in Nepal: A Summary Report

Substance use among adolescents has become an increasingly critical public health and child protection issue in Nepal. Factors such as peer pressure, emotional stress, social acceptance, and easy availability of substances have contributed to rising rates of experimentation and use among young people. Despite these trends, there is limited data on the depth of adolescent understanding and behavior around substance use, especially at the local level.

The study, "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Substance Use Among Adolescents in Nepal: Research and Recommendations", was conducted by World Vision International Nepal in collaboration with the Nepal Public Health Research and Development Center (PHRD Nepal). It examines the prevalence, causes, and consequences of substance use among adolescents across five diverse districts—Sarlahi, Rautahat, Lamjung, Kailali, and Kanchanpur. This evidence-based research aims to support the development of responsive interventions, raise awareness, and inform child protection and public health programming at local and national levels.