Behavioral Intention to Avoid Drug Abuse Works as Protective Factor among Adolescent

Background: Young people engage in risky behaviors unintentionally and these behaviors might be re duced or inhibited by preventative behaviors. Although adolescentsʹ risky behaviors are known as un planned or unintentional, preventative behaviors are intentional. The aim of the present study was to as sess students’ behavior intentions to avoid drug abuse. Methods: This study was a cross sectional design that male high school students (n= 176) in Tehran, Iran completed a questionnaire assessing behavior intentions to avoid drug abuse, self-control, self-effi cacy, perceived susceptibility, and negative attitudes toward drug abuse, peer resistance skills and sub stance abuse related behaviors. Results: Peer resistance skills, negative attitude toward drugs, perceived self- efficacy, and high self-con trol were four predictors on intention against drug abuse. Moreover, students’ educational status, inter ested in school and truancy and spending with friends were other predictors for intention against drug abuse. Conclusion: Healthy behaviors are intentional. As a result improving behavior intentions to avoid drug abuse would act as a protective factor for preventing drug abuse among adolescents as well as prevent ing high-risk behaviors.