Lifetime use of illicit drugs and associated factors among Brazilian schoolchildren, National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE 2012)

Lifestyle and sexual habits of students in a Southern Italian region

BACKGROUND

Incorrect or harmful lifestyle during youth may impact negatively gonadal function later in life. To reduce the development of risky behaviors a series of health prevention and intervention campaigns have been conducted in Italy. The present study is part of a Sicily Region (Italy) health surveillance program that was carried out on a sample of late adolescents.

METHODS

Between March 2022 to December 2022, we enrolled 718 adolescents (15-26 years old) attending the last two years of high school (278 males and 440 females) in the districts of Syracuse, Ragusa, Catania, and Agrigento (Sicily, Italy). All adolescents were invited to complete a questionnaire that explored their lifestyles and the student's knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the main andrological diseases.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that 43% of students smoke cigarettes, with a similar gender distribution; one-third of the students use illicit drugs, with a higher prevalence of males than females. More than two-thirds of youngsters reported drinking alcohol with a statistically significant difference between genders. 68.2% of students do not have sexual difficulties and males have a greater tendency to sexual promiscuity than females and only about half of them use condoms. 92% of students surf the Internet every day; boys tend to visit pornographic sites more often than girls.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey revealed statistically significant differences between the two genders in terms of lifestyle and sexual habits. In particular, the survey shows that the prevalence of risky behaviour is still extremely high among late adolescents and young adults and that much still needs to be done in terms of prevention and information. Adequate prevention campaigns, to be proposed in the early years of adolescence, should be initiated in order to provide youngsters with adequate preparation in terms of healthy lifestyle habits.

Influence factors associated with health risk behaviors of middle school students in the poverty area of China: An observational study

We aim to investigate the status and influence factors of health risk behaviors among middle school students and explore the relationship between social support, family care, and the health risk behaviors. The study was conducted in 3 middle schools in the Fan county located in the Puyang city. Independent measures were applied to assess adolescent health risk behaviors, perceive social support, and family care. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the main factors that affect adolescent health risk behaviors. The total scores of health risk behaviors were 53.87 ± 9.97, and all kinds of health risk behaviors were very common. The highest score was health-compromising (2.45 ± 0.43), and the lowest score was unprotected sex behaviors (1.07 ± 0.28). Multiple regression analysis showed that sex (P < .001), grade (P < .001), parent relationships (P < .001), father's occupation (P = .035), mother's education level (P = .011), social support (P < .001), affection (P < .001), and growth (P = .003) were the main factors of health risk behaviors, accounting for 25.3%. The health risk behaviors among middle school students in Fan county should attract the attention of education administration, schools, and parent due to the varied influencing factors. Related interventions should be conducted to reduce the severity and frequency of adolescent health risk behaviors and protect the health and growth of adolescents. In order to better analyze the health risk behaviors of middle school students, we will incorporate more influencing factors and carry out further causal analysis in the future.

A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Cigarette Smoking in the Brazilian Youth Population

Introduction: The transition from adolescence to adulthood involves a variety of physical, behavioral, and social transformations, often including tobacco use. Because understanding smoking at this stage is important for tobacco control, we aimed to analyze the prevalence of cigarette smoking in the Brazilian youth population. Methods: This study included participants aged 16-25 years from all Brazilian capitals. A standardized questionnaire was administered by trained healthcare professionals to collect information about sociodemographic status, sexual behavior, and tobacco use. The samples from each capital were weighted by age range and sex. Results: Of the 8,581 participants, 15.1% were current smokers, and 20.0% were former smokers; the average age at first tobacco use was 15.5 years. The prevalence of smoking in men was higher than that in women (20.1 vs. 10.3%, p < 0.01). Education level was associated with current smoking and former smoking. Participants with an elementary education level had a higher smoking prevalence (PR: 5.84, 95%, CI: 4.29-7.95) than those with a secondary education (PR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.63-2.93) and those with higher education. Those without current partners (PR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03-1.56) also had a higher prevalence of smoking than those with partners, and participants who had a previous same-sex sexual experience smoked more (PR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.78-2.96) than those who did not. In addition, regular use of alcohol was associated with higher prevalence of cigarette smoking (PR: 5.65, 95% CI: 4.03-7.90) than a lack of alcohol consumption. Skin color and socioeconomic class did not exhibit significant relationships with tobacco use patterns. Conclusions: Smoking was associated with education level regardless of social class, and some specific behaviors associated with a same-sex sexual experience were associated with a higher prevalence of smoking. These findings are important for formulating policies and directing actions to combat and prevent smoking among young populations.

Assessing the Mental Health of Brazilian Students Involved in Risky Behaviors

Adolescence, which is the transition from childhood to adulthood, is marked by emotional sensitivity and inconsistency and may be affected by mental health problems. In order to fill the gap related to the risky behaviors in students in Brazil, our cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the relationship between risky behaviors and indicators of mental health of Brazilian students. We used the data from the National School Health Survey to analyze the relationship between risk behaviors and three symptoms of mental health issues: feeling of being alone, number of close friends, and trouble sleeping due to worries. The sample consisted of 102,072 students in Brazil (48.3% boys and 51.7% girls), aged between 11 to 19 years. The risk behaviors evaluated were substance use, sedentary lifestyle, sexual behavior, and suffering violence and bullying. We have performed a multivariate analysis based on the Poisson regression model, and the measure of effect used was the prevalence ratio (PR) with confidence intervals (CI) of 95%. Our results showed that students with symptoms of mental health issues were involved in risky behaviors, including drug use and unsafe sex. Thus, mental illness outcomes may be associated with risky behaviors, or mental health may be impaired by them. Given these findings, in-school programs focused on improving mental health outcomes should be developed.

How far can you go? Association between illicit drug use and academic migration

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the prevalence of illicit drugs use in the lifetime, last year and last month, as well as the factors associated to the last year's use and its association with academic migration, among undergraduate students of a university in southern Brazil. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected through self-administered questionnaire. It was conducted a clustered systematic sampling. For multivariate analyses, it was used Poisson regression. Results: 1,423 students participated. The prevalence of illicit drug use in the lifetime, last year and last month were 42.4%, 25.5% and 17.7%, respectively. Regarding illicit substances, marijuana use was the most prevalent. The variables independently associated with illicit drugs use in the last year were academic migration, being male, younger, single, high parent's educational level, living with peers, tobacco use in the last year, and having friend and relative that have used illicit drugs. Religious practice had a protective effect. Conclusion: Individuals who migrated from their cities to study at the university are more exposed to the main risk factors pointed out by this research and hence to the use of illicit drugs. Based on these results, we suggest that universities develop evaluation, prevention, treatment or referral strategies considering specific needs of this population

Sociocultural factors related to the physical activity in boys and girls: PeNSE 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To verify in male and female Brazilian adolescents the association of demographic, psychosocial, behavioral and sociocultural characteristics with the regular practice of physical activity.

METHODS:

The sample consisted of 109,104 adolescents from all Brazilian states attending the 9th year of elementary education in 2012. The response variable was the regular practice of physical activity (300+ minutes/week). The explanatory variables were grouped into four fields: demographic, psychosocial, behavioral and sociocultural. The Poisson regression was stratified by sex to evaluate the association.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of active adolescents was 20.2%, higher in boys (27.9%) than in girls (13.1%). It was observed a greater practice of physical activity in boys of lower age group, children of mothers with higher schooling, who consumed healthy foods such as beans, fruits, vegetables, and milk, as well as among those with family supervision. At the same time, unhealthy habits such as insomnia and alcohol consumption were also positively associated with physical activity. In girls, greater physical activity was observed among those who lived with mothers and whose mothers had higher schooling. In addition to family supervision, the practice of physical activity in girls was also positively associated with the frequency of meals with their parents. However, as in boys, insomnia and alcohol consumption were associated with an increase in the practice of physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS:

One-fifth of adolescents practice physical activity regularly, demonstrating the need for specific public policies to increase the percentage of active young people in the country. Maternal schooling, healthy eating habits and family supervision were associated with regular physical activity in boys and girls, evidencing the importance of the family for the acquisition of healthy habits in this age group.

Prevalence and factors associated with illicit drug use throughout life: National School Health Survey 2015

INTRODUCTION

The use of illicit drugs is a public health concern. This paper describes the prevalence and factors associated with the use of illicit drugs throughout life among 9th grade students attending public and private schools in daylight period in Brazil.

METHOD

Data from the Brazilian Adolescent School-based Health Survey (PeNSE) were analyzed. Use of illicit drugs at some point in life was assessed considering marijuana, cocaine, crack, solvent-based glue, ether-based inhalants, ecstasy, and oxy. Data were analized descriptively and by the Poisson's regression model.

RESULTS

The use of illicit drugs at least once in life was reported by 9,0% of participants, being more prevalent among girls and associated with alcohol or tobacco use, active sexual life, feeling of loneliness, little or no contact between school and parents, and the experience of familial aggressions. The outcome was inversely associated with close contact with parents and their supervision. Prevalence was higher among participants whose mothers had higher educational levels and had, who had a payed job, and who attended public schools.

DISCUSSION

The prevalence of lifetime use of illicit drugs was stable when the three PeNSE samples were compared, but it resulted more common among girls in 2015 for the first time and was associated with the same conditions found in prior studies.

CONCLUSION

Family and school appear to be protective factors, especially when there is direct supervision and care. It is important that both girls and boys are given the same attention when it comes to this this subject.

Familiar factors and illicit drug use among Brazilian adolescents: an analysis of the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (PeNSE, 2015)

Illicit drug use is related to individual characteristics; however, social and family environments seem to be associated with this consumption. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of the relationships between parents or guardians and Brazilian adolescents that use illicit drugs. This is a cross-sectional study with data from the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (PeNSE, 2015), in which the target population was school children from the ninth grade (eighth year). A total of 102,072 students were included in the current research, being 52,782 females and 49,290 males. Illicit drug use was the outcome and family relationship factors were the exposure. For adjustments, factors as sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, as well as tobacco and alcohol use were established. Univariate and multivariate analysis stratified by sex was conducted through Poisson regression, with a robust variance estimator to calculate the prevalence ratio and the 95% confidence interval. The general prevalence of illicit drug use was 3.8%; 3.3% among females and 4.4% among males. The following factors increase the prevalence ratio for illicit drug use in adolescents: not living with their parents, not feeling supervised by parents, and skipping classes without parents' consent. Never feeling understood by parents and frequent physical aggressions by family members were also associated with illicit drug use. Family relationships collaborate to illicit drug use among Brazilian adolescents, considering their sociodemographic factors, alcohol and smoking habits and parents and friends' profiles.

[Internalizing and externalizing behavior problems and substance use in adolescence]

This study investigated the relationship between externalizing behavior problems (EBP), internalizing behavior problems (IBP), and combined externalizing/internalizing behavior problems (EIBP) in early adolescence (11 years) and substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs) at 15 years, using data from the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort. Behavior problems were assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), applied to mothers when their children were 15 years old. Substance use was assessed with a self-applied confidential questionnaire for the adolescent. The association between behavior problems and substance use was analyzed with Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance. After adjusting for confounding, adolescents with EBP showed higher risk of alcohol abuse (RR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.21; 2.50) and experimentation (RR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.42; 2,23) and tobacco use in the previous 30 days (RR = 2.38, 95%CI: 1.64; 3.45). Adolescents with IBP showed greater risk of having tried tobacco (RR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.22; 1.93) and of having used tobacco products in the previous 30 days (RR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.31; 2.83). Adolescents with EIBP showed greater risk of trying (RR = 2.24, 95%CI: 1.57; 3.21) and consuming tobacco products in the previous days (RR = 3.01, 95%CI: 1.63; 5.56), and lower risk of having tried alcohol at 15 years of age (RR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.55; 0.94). Public health measures aimed at reducing behavior problems in early adolescence can help reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption at 15 years.

Prevalence and factors associated with experience of intrafamilial violence by teenagers in school

OBJECTIVE

To estimate prevalence of intrafamilial violence experience and its association with sociodemographic, sexual and use of alcohol/drugs variables in teenagers of a public school in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study with 239 teenagers. Data were collected through structured instrument, analyzed according to descriptive and inferential statistics, with multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Research pointed out a high prevalence of intrafamilial violence among teenagers (60.67%). Experience of this grievance was associated, with statistical significance, with the variables: higher age range (PR = 1.83 and 95%CI: 1.05 - 3.18) and regular use of condom (PR = 1.81 and 95%CI: 1.06 - 3.08). Violence was also associated with consumption of alcohol and marijuana.

CONCLUSION

Regular use of condom and consumption of alcohol and/or marijuana represent risk behaviors to the experience of intrafamilial violence by teenagers in school, especially older than 15 years old.

School health promotion and use of drugs among students in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the relationship between the health promotion conditions in schools and the consumption of alcohol and other drugs by students.

METHODS:

This is a cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample of 3,464 students aged 12 to 17 from all schools of the cities of Lajeado and Sapiranga, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and 53 managers from the same schools; the data was collected in 2012. Reports of the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs in 2012 were used as outcomes, and the health promotion score in the school environment was used as the exposure of interest. We submitted the data to multilevel analysis.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of the annual use of tobacco was 9.8% (95%CI 8.8-10.8), alcohol was 46.2% (95%CI 44.5-47.8), and other drugs was 10.9% (95%CI 9.9-12.0). In the crude analysis, only the use of tobacco was associated with less health promoting schools (OR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.16-3.09) when compared to those with better conditions. This association lost statistical significance in the adjusted analysis (OR = 1.27, 95%CI 0.74-2.19).

CONCLUSIONS:

The effects of the school environment on the use of drugs, especially tobacco and alcohol, are manifested mainly by the individual and family conditions of the adolescents.

A Prospective Study on the Influence of Scholastic Factors on the Prevalence and Initiation of Illicit Drug Misuse in Adolescence

Background: This study aimed to prospectively investigate the scholastic factors related to illicit drug misuse (IDM) and the initiation of IDM among older adolescents from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods: This 2-year prospective study included 436 participants (202 females), who were an average of 16 years old at the beginning of the study (baseline). The participants were tested at baseline and follow-up (20 months later). The predictors included variables of scholastic-achievement (grade point average, school absences, unexcused absences and behavioral grade). The criteria were: (i) IDM at baseline; (ii) IDM at follow-up; and (iii) initiation of IDM over the study course. Results: Logistic regression indicated increased odds of IDM in adolescents who were more frequent absent from school (baseline: Odds Ratio (OR): 3.73, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.12–6.57; follow-up: OR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.90–4.65). The lower grade point average and more unexcused absences were evidenced for adolescents who consumed drugs on follow-up (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.11–2.51; OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.30–2.32 for grade point average and unexcused absences, respectively). Initiation of IDM was predicted by frequent absences from school (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3–3.8), and lower behavioral grades (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–3.3). Conclusions: The findings confirmed strong correlations between scholastic failure and IDM. Absences from school and lower behavioral grades at baseline were predictive of the initiation of IDM in older adolescents.

Percepções da comunidade escolar sobre a implantação do programa unplugged em escolas

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar as percepções da comunidade escolar sobre o programa Unplugged, implantado pelo Ministério da Saúde em escolas públicas brasileiras de ensino fundamental II. A metodologia utilizada foi a qualitativa e envolveu coleta de dados através de 11 grupos focais de professores (n=13), alunos (n=54) e administradores escolares (n=11) em 8 escolas de 3 cidades brasileiras. Análise de conteúdo permitiu a identificação de 3 eixos temáticos. As facilidades identificadas estiveram relacionadas com o suporte técnico para implantação da metodologia, como a formação e supervisão recebida, além do suporte dos administradores das escolas. As dificuldades apontadas estiveram relacionadas ao tempo das aulas, a obtenção de materiais de suporte para as aulas e ao cumprimento adequado do currículo regular. Como potencialidade, identificou-se a melhoria das relações de convivência. Os resultados aqui alcançados permitem o aprimoramento da implantação do programa Unplugged nas escolas brasileiras.

Influência do grupo de pares e uso de drogas ilícitas entre adolescentes brasileiros: um estudo transversal

O estudo teve como objetivo examinar o uso de drogas ilícitas e as associações com fatores socioeconômicos e influência do grupo de pares entre adolescentes brasileiros de 15 a 19 anos de idade. Foi adotada uma amostra de clusters em dois estágios, com a seleção aleatória de escolas públicas e privadas entre os nove distritos administrativos de uma capital de estado, e a seleção aleatória de turmas em cada escola. A variável de desfecho foi o uso de drogas ilícitas, medido pela seguinte pergunta: “Você já usou drogas ilícitas (maconha, inalantes, hipnóticos, cocaína/crack, alucinógenos, anfetaminas e/ou opióides) alguma vez na vida?”. Os grupos de pares foram classificados como: escola, família, atividades religiosas e esportes/cultura. O nível socioeconômico foi avaliado com o Índice de Vulnerabilidade em Saúde (IVS) baseado em área. Foram analisados os dados de 91 adolescentes com o teste do qui-quadrado e regressão logística. A proporção global de uso de drogas ilícitas foi 15,2%. A heterogeneidade por gênero dentro de grupos (OR = 3,14; IC95%: 1,63-6,06), amizades baseadas em religião (OR = 0,36; IC95%: 0,17-0,75) e amizades baseadas em esportes/cultura (OR = 0,44; IC95%: 0,22-0,87) permaneceram associadas significativamente com o uso de drogas ilícitas. Os adolescentes que residiam em áreas menos vulneráveis mostraram maior probabilidade de uso de drogas ilícitas, quando comparados aos jovens em áreas mais vulneráveis. As amizades baseadas em religião e esportes/cultura parecem ter um efeito protetor contra o uso de drogas ilícitas. A heterogeneidade de gênero dentro de grupos e a residência em áreas menos vulneráveis aumentaram as chances de uso de drogas ilícitas por adolescentes.

Youth self-report of child maltreatment in representative surveys: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

This systematic review identified population-representative youth surveys containing questions on self-reported child maltreatment. Data quality and ethical issues pertinent to maltreatment data collection were also examined.

METHODS

A search was conducted of relevant online databases for articles published from January 2000 through March 2016 reporting on population-representative data measuring child maltreatment. Inclusion criteria were established a priori; two reviewers independently assessed articles to ensure that the criteria were met and to verify the accuracy of extracted information.

RESULTS

A total of 73 articles reporting on 71 surveys met the inclusion criteria. A variety of strategies to ensure accurate information and to mitigate survey participants' distress were reported.

CONCLUSION

The extent to which efforts have been undertaken to measure the prevalence of child maltreatment reflects its perceived importance across the world. Data on child maltreatment can be effectively collected from youth, although our knowledge of best practices related to ethics and data quality is incomplete.

Uso de substâncias psicoativas em adolescentes brasileiros e fatores associados: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde dos Escolares, 2015

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar o uso de substâncias psicoativas (tabaco, álcool e drogas ilícitas) em escolares em relação a fatores sociodemográficos, contexto familiar e saúde mental. Métodos: Foram utilizados dados da amostra de 102.301 escolares do nono ano da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar de 2015. Realizou-se o cálculo da prevalência de uso de tabaco e de álcool nos últimos 30 dias e experimentação de drogas, segundo variáveis sociodemográficas, contexto familiar e saúde mental. Procedeu-se a análise univariada, por teste do χ2 de Pearson e cálculo das odds ratios (OR) não ajustadas. Por fim, realizou-se análise multivariada para cada desfecho com as variáveis que apresentaram associação com os desfechos (p < 0,20), calculando-se as OR ajustadas com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: A prevalência de uso de tabaco foi de 5,6%; do uso de álcool, 23,8%; e da experimentação de drogas, 9,0%. A análise multivariada apontou que, no contexto familiar, morar com os pais, fazer refeição com pais ou responsável e a supervisão familiar foram associados a menor uso de substâncias; enquanto faltar às aulas sem consentimento dos pais aumentou a chance de uso. Maior chance do uso de substâncias esteve ainda associada a cor branca, aumento da idade, trabalhar, sentir-se solitário e ter insônia. Não ter amigos foi associado com uso de drogas e tabaco, porém foi protetor para o uso de álcool. Conclusões: A supervisão familiar foi protetora do uso de substâncias psicoativas em escolares brasileiros, enquanto trabalhar, sentir-se solitário e ter insônia aumentaram suas chances de uso.

Binge drinking and illicit drug use among adolescent students

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of illicit drug use and its association with binge drinking and sociodemographic factors among adolescent students.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study with probabilistic conglomerate sampling, involving 1,154 students, aged 13 to 19 years old, from the public school system, in the city of Olinda, State of Pernambuco, Brazil, carried out in 2014. We used the Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire, validated for use with Brazilian adolescents. The Chi-square test (≤ 0.05) and Poisson regression analysis were used to estimate the prevalence ratios, with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Use in life of illicit drugs was four times more prevalent among students who reported binge drinking (95%CI 3.19-5.45). Being in the age group of 16 to 19 years, being male, and having no religion were also significantly associated with illicit drug use.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of use in life of illicit drugs was higher in this study than in other studies carried out in Brazil and it was strongly associated with binge drinking. This factor was associated with gender, age, and religion.

OBJETIVO

Estimar a prevalência do uso de drogas ilícitas e sua associação com binge drinking e fatores sociodemográficos entre estudantes adolescentes.

MÉTODOS

Estudo transversal com amostra probabilística por conglomerado, envolvendo 1.154 estudantes, de 13 a 19 anos de idade, da rede pública de ensino, no município de Olinda, PE, 2014. Foi utilizado o questionário Youth Risk Behavior Survey, validado para uso com adolescentes brasileiros. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o teste do Qui-quadrado (≤ 0,05) e análise de regressão de Poisson, para estimar razões de prevalência, com intervalos com 95% de confiança.

RESULTADOS

O uso na vida de drogas ilícitas foi quatro vezes mais prevalente entre os estudantes que relataram o binge drinking (IC95% 3,19-5,45). Estar na faixa etária de 16 a 19 anos, ser do sexo masculino e não ter religião também foram significativamente associados ao uso de drogas ilícitas.

CONCLUSÕES

A prevalência do uso de drogas ilícitas na vida foi superior a outros estudos realizados no Brasil e esteve fortemente associado ao binge drinking. Esse fator mostrou associação com gênero, idade e religião.

Inconsistent reports of risk behavior among Brazilian middle school students: National School Based Survey of Adolescent Health (PeNSE 2009/2012)

This study assessed the consistency of self-reports of risk behavior (overall and within four specific domains: alcohol use, tobacco use, drug use, and sexual activity) in two editions of the Brazilian National School Based Survey of Adolescent Health (PeNSE): 2009 and 2012. The overall proportion of cases with at least one inconsistent response in the two editions was 11.7% (2.7% on the alcohol items, 2.1% for drug use, 4.3% for cigarette use, 3% for sexual activity) and 22.7% (12.8% on alcohol items, 2.5% for drug use, 4.3% for cigarette use, 4.1% for sexual activity), respectively. Such inconsistency was more prevalent among males, delayed students, those who reported having experimented with drugs, and those who did not have a cellphone. Because inconsistent responses were more prevalent among the students who claimed to have engaged in risky activities, removing inconsistent responders affected the estimated prevalence of all risk behaviors in both editions of the survey. This study supports the importance of performing consistency checks of self-report surveys, following the growing body of literature on this topic.

Adverse childhood experiences and consumption of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among adolescents of a Brazilian birth cohort

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among adolescents from a Brazilian cohort. The occurrence of five ACEs, the use of alcohol and tobacco and trying illicit drugs were investigated in the 1993 Pelotas birth cohort at the age of 15 (n = 4,230). A score was created for the ACEs and their association with the use of substances was evaluated. Around 25% of adolescents consumed alcohol, 6% smoked and 2.1% reported having used drugs at least once in their lives. The ACEs were associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. A dose-response relation between the number of ACEs and the substance use was found, particularly with regard to illicit drugs. The occurrence of ACEs was positively associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among adolescents and the risk may be different for men and women. These results point to the fact that strategies for preventing the use of substances should include interventions both among adolescents and within the family environment.

Concepções sobre drogas por adolescentes escolares

RESUMOObjetivo:analisar concepções de adolescentes escolares da educação básica sobre drogas em geral.Método:abordagem qualitativa de grupos focais com 16 adolescentes estudantes. Os dados coletados foram analisados por Análise de Conteúdo, onde emergiram as seguintes categorias “Significado de drogas”; “Convivendo com o uso de drogas”; “Opiniões, crenças e atitudes em relação ao uso de drogas” e “Prevenindo o uso indevido de drogas na adolescência”.Resultados:os adolescentes conhecem algumas drogas associando o uso à marginalidade e à criminalidade. Identifi caram fatores que levam ao consumo abusivo de drogas como fácil acesso, uso familiar e com grupos de amigos, ociosidade, abandono escolar e vulnerabilidade característica da adolescência.Conclusão:os resultados demonstram a necessidade da implementação de trabalhos educativos no contexto em que os adolescentes vivem, seja escolar, social e familiar de modo a apoiar e minimizar as diversas vulnerabilidades dos adolescentes.