Recreational Use of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Sensation-Seeking Among Adolescents in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Inhalation (Sniffing) of N2O among adolescents has increased in Sweden during recent years. Both neurological and thromboembolic consequences have been reported. This study aims to evaluate the association between a sensation-seeking personality and sniffing of N2O among students attending schools in Stockholm.

METHOD: Students, 15-18 years old, from 77% of schools in Stockholm participated summing up to 8389 boys and 8425 girls. Data was self-reported. Both crude and adjusted regression models were calculated.

RESULTS

In the crude model, sensation seeking was associated with higher odds for use of N2O OR = 4.22 (confidence interval = 3.66-4.86). When controlling for binge drinking of alcohol, use of nicotine and cannabis, parental education, own spending money per month, and school-related covariates and also considering gender, sensation-seeking was still related to higher odds OR = 1.50 (CI = 1.11-2.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that sensation seeking is associated with sniffing of N2O in boys as well as girls.