Exploring Drug Related Awareness and Self-Assertiveness as Protective Factor Towards Negative Peer Influence on Substance Abuse Addiction Among Youth in Malaysia
List of Authors
Amin Al Haadi Shafie, Dini Farhana Baharudin, Mohd Hatta Othman, Normadiyana Abdullah, Nurhafizah Mohamad Yasin, Nurul Aini Mudayat, Siti Nadhirah Mohamad Fauzi
Drug-related knowledge and self-assertiveness are recognized as critical protective factors against substance abuse among youth. This study investigates the relationship between drug-related knowledge and self-assertiveness, exploring their levels and the association between these two variables. The objectives of the study were to assess: (1) the level of drug-related knowledge among youth; (2) the level of self-assertiveness among youth; (3) the correlation between drug-related knowledge and self-assertiveness. This study employs correlational research design Using a correlational research design and quantitative methodology, data were collected from 380 participants aged 18 to 40 years. The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs (KAB) scale and the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) were utilized to measure drug-related knowledge and self-assertiveness, respectively. Results indicated that the majority of participants demonstrated moderate levels of drug-related knowledge (68%) and self-assertiveness (64%). A significant positive relationship was found between drug-related knowledge and self-assertiveness (Pearson’s r = 0.572, p < 0.001), suggesting that higher levels of drug-related knowledge are associated with greater self-assertiveness.