Association between parental separation and addictions in adolescents: results of a national Lebanese study
Abstract Objectives: to investigate the association between the divorce of parents and smoking, alcohol, and internet addiction among a representative sample of Lebanese adolescents.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, conducted between January and May 2019 using a proportionate random sample of schools from all Lebanese Mohafazat. Out of 2000 questionnaires distributed; 1810 (90.5%) were completed and collected back.Results: The mean age was 15.42 ± 1.14 years, with 53.3% females and 74.1% smokers. In addition, 11.9% [95% CI 0.104-0.134] of the adolescents had separated/divorced parents. Divorce in parents was significantly associated with higher alcohol use disorder (Beta=8.035), higher cigarette dependence (Beta=2.767) and a higher waterpipe dependence (Beta=5.263) in adolescents. However, divorce in parents was not associated with internet addiction in adolescents.Conclusion: Parental divorce was correlated to higher alcohol and smoking, but not internet addiction among adolescents. Children whose parents are divorced should be subject to continuous follow-up by their parents and by a psychiatrist/psychologist in order not to develop any addiction that could potentially harm them.