Psychiatry Investig.  2024 Jul;21(7):746-754. 10.30773/pi.2023.0328.

Public Perception Towards Drug Abuse in South Korea: The Effects of Overconfidence and Affirmation

• Jang KW
• Kim J
• Jung HW
• Lee SK
• Park BJ
• Kang HC
• Kim CH
• Lee HK
• Roh D

• KMID: 2558017
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2023.0328

Abstract

Objective
The abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines has been a major issue addressed as a serious public health problem worldwide. This study explored factors contributing to substance abuse in Korea by examining the status of substance abuse among Korean adults and evaluating their knowledge, attitudes, and intentions toward substance abuse.
Methods
Data were collected online from a sample of participants 19 years old or older from May 20 to June 1, 2020 (n=1,020). The survey consisted of questions on demographics, perceptions of drug risk, motives for drug use, and attitudes toward drug addiction treatment. Principal component and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors contributing to the perception of drug abuse.
Results
In the multivariate regression analysis, overconfidence in handling drug usage, acceptance of addictive substances, and affirmation of public support for drug abuse were associated with opioid abuse (Nagelkerke R²=0.486), and additionally affirmation of legal cannabis usage and motivation to use diet pills were associated with diet pill abuse (Nagelkerke R²=0.569).
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that the actual situation of substance abuse among Korean adults increases awareness of and attitudes toward drug use related to substance abuse.

Keyword

Drug abuse; Drug addiction; Substance abuse; Prescription drug abuse; Perception