The Association Between Family Functioning and Intention to Avoid Drug Abuse amongSecondary Schools Students in Al-Hilla City, Iraq

Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between family functioning and the intention to avoid drug abuse among secondary school students.

Study Design: Descriptive correlational study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Babylon Education Directorate, Al Hilla Iraq from 15th October 2024 to 30th June 2025.

Methods: This descriptive correlational study was among 600 secondary school students. Family functioning was measured using a Thai family function scale, while intention to avoid drugs abuse was assessed through Intention to Drug Avoidance Scale.

Results: 70% of students reported high family functioning. The majority of 95.3% demonstrated a high intention to avoid drug abuse. Statistically significant but weak positive correlation was found between family functioning and intention to avoid drug abuse(r = .110, p<0.05).

Conclusion: Most participants reported high levels of family function suggesting strengthening communication, parental involvement, and emotional support within families can contribute to higher preventive behaviors against drug abuse among youth. Statistically significant association was found between family function and intention to avoid drug abuse however, the magnitude of this association was weak.