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Adolescent substance use is both widespread and concerning due to its potential to negatively affect development across social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and academic domains. While the influence of substance use is well known, the intricate interplay of key factors and emerging trends and the dynamics of these interactions among adolescents is not thoroughly studied. 

This PhD research aims to identify the dynamics of key influencing factors and emerging trends for adolescent substance use patterns in Australia by utilizing national-level longitudinal data. The study will track behavioral patterns and pinpoint critical periods when adolescents are most vulnerable to substance use. It will also explore how key influencing factors interact and evolve over time, providing insights for designing dynamic interventions that adapt to the changing needs of adolescents

This PhD thesis, structured as a thesis by publication, will include five empirical studies using data from the Longitudinal Survey of Australian Children, linked with Time -Use-Diary and Child Health Checkpoint Biomarkers data. Access to the data was successfully granted upon request. Various analysis techniques, including multivariable logistic regression, the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) mediation effect method, interaction modelling, multilevel modelling and latent class analysis, will be employed to investigate the patterns and relationships.

This PhD research aims to explore the key influencing factors and emerging trends in adolescent substance use patterns in Australia, offering insights into how these factors shape substance use behaviors over time. The project aims to achieve four key outcomes: (i) identification of key and emerging risk factors linked to adolescent substance use, (ii) understanding the evolution of substance use behaviors and their influencing factors over time, (iii) informing policies and interventions to reduce adolescent substance use, and (iv) providing baseline data to support future research efforts.

Keywords: Substance use, emerging substance, influencing factors, digital engagement, adolescent, longitudinal analysis, Australia

For more information, please email the Graduate Research School or phone 0746 311088.