Survey in schools and colleges of Shymkent: SKMA interns study the level of psychoactive substance use among youth

As part of the "Psychiatry and Narcology" cycle, interns of the South Kazakhstan medical academy, under the supervision of PhD, associate professor of the Department of Neurology, psychiatry, rehabilitation and neurosurgery, Laura Aitzhanovna Sadуk, are conducting surveys in educational institutions of the city of Shymkent. The purpose of this initiative is to obtain reliable data on the prevalence and level of psychoactive substance (PAS) use among adolescents and youth.
The study covers both schools and colleges, aiming to identify risk factors that contribute to the development of substance dependence, as well as to determine current trends within the youth environment. The collected data will serve as a foundation for developing and implementing targeted prevention programs to reduce PAS use among children and teenagers.
The survey is conducted in full compliance with ethical standards, ensuring complete anonymity and confidentiality of all participants. Through this project, interns not only gain valuable hands-on experience in field research but also make a meaningful contribution to the protection of the mental health of the younger generation.
The South Kazakhstan medical academy remains actively engaged in addressing pressing public health issues, combining scientific rigor, practical training for future physicians, and a commitment to safeguarding youth health.