Predictors of novel psychoactive substance use among Australian adolescents: evidence from longitudinal study of Australian children

BACKGROUND: While the adolescent use of traditional substances has shown a decline in recent years, the use of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) is rising in popularity due to affordability and accessibility. Limited research exists on the risk profiles of adolescents who engage in NPS use. This study aimed to identify key predictors of NPS use among adolescents. METHODS: This study included 1605 adolescents from the K cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Adolescent NPS use was measured using self-reported lifetime use of synthetic cannabis and other NPS use. We employed Firth's penalized logistic regression to investigate predictors of NPS use among adolescents. RESULTS: Among the 1605 adolescents included in the study, 64 (4.0%) reported using NPS. Lower weekday social media use was linked to reduced odds of NPS use. Lower parental monitoring was significantly associated with higher odds of NPS use. Alcohol use was linked to increased odds of NPS use. Additionally, higher externalizing behavior was associated with increased odds of NPS use. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the importance of early identification and intervention to reduce the risks of NPS use, emphasizing the role of positive parenting, adolescent mental health support, and evidence-based prevention policies.