Fatores associados ao consumo de álcool e drogas entre estudantes universitários

Use of psychoactive substances among university students from 2019 to 2020: A systematic review

Psychoactive substances act on the central nervous system producing changes in mental processes, such as perception, consciousness, cognition or mood and emotions. The present study aims to identify: (i) the most used psychoactive substances, (ii) how psychoactive substances are acquired, (iii) and possible reasons for the use of psychoactive substances amongst university students. A literature search was carried out without language restrictions and included articles published between 2019 and 2020 in journals indexed in the electronic databases of Pubmed and Scielo. The inclusion criteria considered were: (i) original articles, (ii) studies carried out with university students, (iii) providing data on the use of psychoactive substances. 15 studies were included in this review, of which: 4 studies addressed possible reasons that lead to use of psychoactive substances, 10 studies reported usage profile and demographic data, and 1 study addressed how students acquire psychoactive substances. Reasons that led to the consumption of psychoactive substances include: feelings of loneliness after moving away from family; difficulty making new friends; poor academic performance and susceptible environment to acquisition of these substances. In the selected studies, alcohol was identified as the main drug used. In light of the findings reported in this review, new prevention and harm reduction measures can be formulated, based mainly on the reasons that lead to the use of psychoactive drugs, consumption patterns and how the drugs were acquired by university students.

The Validity and Reliability of the FANTASTIC Questionnaire for Nutritional and Lifestyle Studies in University Students

The FANTASTIC questionnaire is a scientific instrument that can be used by health professionals for quickly and effectively measuring the quality of life and lifestyle of people. It is a simple questionnaire that measures different dimensions including nutritional status, but the possibility of using it as a resource for studies in the nutritional field (regardless of its correlation with this) has never been considered, nor has it been used for studies in university populations. The aim was to validate the FANTASTIC questionnaire to report on the participant’s lifestyle in a Spanish university population by using a cross-sectional study. A sample of 501 participants was obtained. The study was approved by the Ethics Research Committee of Catholic University of Valencia, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Sociodemographic, lifestyle variables, habitual diet, and nutrition-related lifestyle were collected individually. Participants also completed the self-administered FANTASTIC questionnaire. The reliability analysis of the FANTASTIC questionnaire revealed a Cronbach’s Alpha statistic result of 0.797. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value was 0.786, with a significant Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity (p = 0.000). This shows that the FANTASTIC questionnaire has good internal consistency and good construct validity. A retest was performed in four weeks’ time, showing excellent intraclass correlation values. We consider the applicability of the FANTASTIC questionnaire for nutritional studies in Spanish university students to be appropriate, and most students have high scores in the nutritional aspects of the questionnaire, showing correct diet implementation and good cooking skills.

Prevalence of addictive behaviours among adolescents from 73 low-and middle-income countries

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The prevalence of regular alcohol use was the highest among adolescents in Zambia but the lowest in Senegal.

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The prevalence of problematic alcohol use was higher in Argentina and Colombia than in any other low- and middle-income countries.

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The prevalence of regular and problematic alcohol use was the lowest in countries with Muslim and Buddhist religions.

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Samoa had the highest prevalence of smoking as well as in marijuana and amphetamine consumption.

Introduction

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage for the initiation of substance use worldwide. However, the prevalence of various types of substances consumed by adolescents living in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) across different continents is not fully understood.

The aims of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of regular and problematic substance use among adolescents in 73 LMICs across different continents and to explore the role of country-specific factors on this prevalence.

Method

Data of 314,187 adolescents (52.79% girls; median age = 15 years old) who participated in the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) were analysed. After estimating the weighted prevalence for each country, multilevel models were used to examine the influence of country-specific factors on the prevalence of substance use across 73 LMICs.

Results

The results indicated that problematic alcohol use was more prevalent in LMICs with higher income levels. The prevalence of regular alcohol use was the highest in Zambia. Regular and problematic alcohol use was the least prevalent in Senegal and Myanmar. The findings also revealed that smoking and the consumption of marijuana and amphetamine were the most common among adolescents in Samoa, whereas the prevalences for these substances were the lowest in Laos.

Conclusion

Economic wealth, religion and geographical factors seem to have a role in determining the prevalence of substance use among adolescents in LMICs.

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.

Factors associated with alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use among Brazilian undergraduate students

OBJECTIVES

to analyze the factors associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among Brazilian undergraduate students.

METHODS

observational, cross-sectional study, with convenience sampling, conducted in 2014/2015, involving institutional data and a self-completed online questionnaire, analyzed using measures of frequency, central tendency/dispersion and logistic regression.

RESULTS

among 126,326 students, 62.8% reported alcohol use; 11%, tobacco; and 7.5%, illicit drugs. Several academic factors-such as not residing with family (sororities [alcohol: aOR:2.38;95%CI:2.28-2.48; tobacco: AOR:2.20;95%CI:2.09-2.33; illicit drugs: AOR:2.53;95%CI:2.38-2.70]), acting in university movements (student [alcohol: AOR:1.74;95%CI:1.65-1.83; tobacco: AOR:1.97;95%CI:1.86-2.08; illicit drugs: AOR:2.43;95%CI:2.28-2.59] and religious [alcohol: AOR:0.28;95%CI:0.26-0.29; tobacco: AOR:0.23;95%CI:0.21-0.26; illicit drugs: AOR:0.18;95%CI:0.16-0.21]) and lack of discipline/study habit (alcohol: AOR:1.41;95%CI:1.37-1.45; tobacco: AOR:1.53;95%CI:1.46-1.59; illicit drugs: AOR:1.85;95%CI:1.76-1.94) - were associated with the use of the three categories of substances.

CONCLUSIONS

we identified that a number of academic factors are associated with licit and illicit drug use. These findings may help in designing preventive strategies among college students.

Satisfaction With Life, Mental Health Problems and Potential Alcohol-Related Problems Among Norwegian University Students

Objective: Recent studies have shown that today's college students more than ever are struggling with mental health and alcohol problems. While poor satisfaction with life and mental health problems have been linked to higher alcohol consumption, there is still a lack of studies examining in detail the shape and nature of the relationship between mental health and alcohol consumption. Aim: To investigate the associations between satisfaction with life, mental health problems and potential alcohol-related problems among Norwegian university students. The shape of the associations was also examined. Methods: Data were drawn from a 2018 national survey of students in higher education in Norway (the SHoT-study). Associations between satisfaction with life, mental health problems and potential alcohol-related problems (AUDIT; risky and harmful alcohol use) were investigated using logistic regression. Both crude models and models adjusted for age, gender and marital status were conducted. To investigate the shape of the associations, logistic regression with quadric and cubic terms was tested. Results: Decreased satisfaction with life and increased mental health problems were associated with potential alcohol-related problems. For satisfaction with life, a curvilinear association with risky alcohol use and a linear association with harmful alcohol use was identified. For mental health problems, curvilinear associations were found for both risky and harmful alcohol use. Conclusion: Many students report potential alcohol-related problems. Students with harmful alcohol use seem to be more at risk of reduced satisfaction with life and increased mental health problems than students with risky alcohol use. Educational institutions may be an ideal setting for raising awareness of mental health issues and responsible alcohol consumption among students. The present study contributes with important information about the shape of the associations between satisfaction with life, mental health problems and potential alcohol-related problems in the student population.

Prevalence and factors associated with binge drinking among Brazilian young adults, 18 to 24 years old

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with binge drinking (BD) among young Brazilians.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2013 National Health Survey. The sample consisted of 7,823 young people aged between 18 and 24 years. The outcome was BD: four or more doses on one occasion for women and five doses or more for men. Sociodemographic, health and behavioral explanatory variables were considered. Binary Logistic Regression was used, with estimation of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

The prevalence of BD among young Brazilians was 17%, with regional differences. The associated factors with a higher chance of BD were: 21 and 24 years old (OR = 1.35; 95%CI 1.08 - 1.70); employed (OR = 1.27; 95%CI 1.01 - 1.61); report tiredness (OR = 1.53; 95%CI 1.19 - 1.97) and currently smoking (OR = 4.10; 95%CI 2.95 - 5.70). Women (OR = 0.43; 95%CI 0.34 - 0.54) and participating in religious activities (OR = 0.67; 95%CI 0.53 - 0.84) were associated with a lower chance of BD.

CONCLUSIONS

A national study evaluating the profile of young Brazilians who present episodes of binge drinking is important to favor the implementation of public prevention policies aimed at this specific population.

Alcohol and substance use among first-year students at the University of Nairobi, Kenya: Prevalence and patterns

OBJECTIVE

Increase in alcohol and substance use among college students is a global public health concern. It is associated with the risk of alcohol and substance use disorders to the individual concerned and public health problems to their family and society. Among students there is also the risk of poor academic performance, taking longer to complete their studies or dropping out of university. This study determined the prevalence and patterns of alcohol and substance use of students at the entry to the university.

METHOD

A total of 406 (50.7% male) students were interviewed using the Assessment of Smoking and Substance Involvement Test (ASSIST) and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Tool (AUDIT). Bivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between substance use and students' socio-demographic characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the predictors of the lifetime and current alcohol and substance use.

RESULTS

Lifetime and current alcohol and substance use prevalence were 103 (25%) and 83 (20%) respectively. Currently frequently used substances were alcohol 69 (22%), cannabis 33 (8%) and tobacco 28 (7%). Poly-substance use was reported by 48 (13%) respondents, the main combinations being cannabis, tobacco, and alcohol. Students living in private hostels were four times more likely to be current substance users compared with those living on campus (OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.0, 10.9).

CONCLUSION

A quarter of the study respondents consumed alcohol and/or substances at the entry to university pushing the case for early intervention strategies to delay initiation of alcohol and substance use and to reduce the associated harmful consequences.

Illicit drug use among students of a university in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To describe drug consumption and the co-occurrence use of more than one illegal drug as well as associated factors in freshmen at a public university in Southern Brazil.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with census of students entering undergraduate courses in 2017. A total of 1,788 university students answered questions about illicit drug use. For analysis, ordinal logistic regression was used.

RESULTS

Marijuana was the most consumed drug (lifetime: 42.1%; 30-day use: 22.7%), followed by hallucinogens (lifetime: 13.1%, 30-day use: 2.8%). Rates for lifetime use of 0, 1 and 2 or more drugs were 56.2%, 23.3% and 20.4%, respectively, and were associated with men (OR = 2.2; 95%CI:1.4–3.5), being at least 23 years old (OR = 2.7; 95%CI: 1.4–5.1), under 18 years old first experimentation with drugs (OR = 2.3; 95%CI: 1.3–3.9) and living with friends (OR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.2–3.4). Rates for 30-day use of 0, 1 and 2 or more drugs were 76.8%; 18.1% and 5.1%, respectively, and were associated with being single, separated or widowed (OR = 3.2; 95%CI: 1.4–7.0), lower socioeconomic classes (OR = 0.3; 95%CI: 0.1–1.1; p = 0.001), under 18 years old first experimentation with drugs (OR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.1–2.9) and living with friends (OR = 1.8 95%CI: 1.2–2.8).

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that students are at greater risk of illicit drug-related health problems. Thus, a better understanding of this consumption should be pursued, as well as the development of a prevention plan.

Uso de Álcool e outras Substâncias Psicoativas por Estudantes Universitários de Psicologia

Resumo O consumo de substâncias psicoativas (SPAs) cresce em escala global, especialmente entre universitários. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o padrão de uso de álcool e outras SPAs em estudantes universitários. A amostra foi composta por 180 graduandos de Psicologia que preencheram um questionário sociodemográfico e instrumentos de rastreamento do uso de SPAs validados para o contexto brasileiro. Os resultados evidenciaram maior prevalência do uso de álcool: 81,7% na vida, 67,6% nos últimos três meses e 55% no padrão binge. Dentre os motivos endossados para o consumo destaca-se o convívio universitário, porém o fator mais valorizado foi o álcool como potencializador do desejo de fumar, seguido de sua percepção como fator gregário em festas/reuniões sociais e como facilitador do enfrentamento de estresse. As pressões da vida universitária geram insegurança e instabilidade que deixam os jovens universitários mais suscetíveis à influência dos pares e à busca de diversão e descontração em ambientes de festas, nas quais o consumo é estimulado e facilitado, o que pode favorecer o beber em quantidade excessiva. Esse padrão de consumo pode se associar a outros comportamentos de risco, como dirigir sob efeito do álcool, manter relações sexuais sem proteção ou envolver-se em distúrbios da ordem pública e infrações à lei. Considerando que os jovens fazem uso em excesso de SPAs sem um suporte social comunitário adequado, é necessário investir em programas de prevenção e políticas públicas guiadas pelas noções de autocuidado, protagonismo e participação ativa na própria reabilitação.

Alcohol use and associated factors among high school, college and university students in Ethiopia, systematic review, and meta-analysis, 2018

Background: Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that is widely consumed in the world. Alcohol use is the most prevalent among early adulthood. It affects individuals' mental, physical, economical and their social issues.Aim: To show prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors among students in Ethiopia by reviewing relevant literature.Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies on the prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors among students in Ethiopia were conducted. Data were searched using PubMed/Medline, Global Health, Africa-wides, PsycINFO, Google Scholar and EMBASE databases. We used the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement for reporting. The prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors was approved using the random-effects model and measured as the proportion of alcohol use (with 95% CI).Result: A month-pooled estimated prevalence of alcohol use among university, college and high school students was 26.19%. University, college and high school students who had used alcohol in the last 1-month were 25.27%, 32.34% and 23.44% respectively. Factors like being male, peer pressure and living alone were associated factors for alcohol use.Conclusion: Alcohol use among students was higher than the general population. It is better to give special attention to school students.

Academic migration and marijuana use among undergraduate students: evidences from a sample in southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of marijuana use in the last month, its associated factors and its relationship with academic migration among undergraduate students of a federal university in southern Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study and data were collected through self-administered questionnaire. A systematic sampling process was conducted. To data analyses, it was used Poisson regression with robust adjust for variance. Overall, 1,423 students participated. The prevalence of marijuana use in the last month was 16.8% (95%CI 14.8% to 18.8%). Data showed that the greater the distance of the city prior to university entry, the higher the prevalence of marijuana use in the last month. Being male, having less age, being single, not having religious practices, having relatives and friends who have used any illicit drug, and having tobacco use in the last month were also risk factors. We understand that academic migration within the country tends to decrease students contact with family and increase vulnerability to peer influence, which may lead to a higher probability of marijuana use in this sample. The results highlights the importance to develop projects of illicit drug use prevention focused on this risky subgroup.

Fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentos de risco associados ao consumo do álcool: um recorte do Erica

RESUMO O uso de álcool impacta a morbimortalidade na adolescência. Assim, este estudo objetivou identificar a relação entre álcool, variáveis sociodemográficas e comportamentos de risco entre adolescentes do município de Belo Horizonte. Realizaram-se análise descritiva e testes de associação e regressão logística a partir dos dados do Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares na Adolescência (Erica). Foi encontrado um consumo de álcool por 22,1% dos adolescentes. Os resultados da análise multivariada revelaram que não usar o Anticoncepcional Oral (ACO) na última relação aumentou 3,5 vezes as chances de o adolescente fazer uso de bebida alcoólica (OR: 3,5 IC95% 2,49-4,91). Fumar aumentou 7,25 vezes as chances de o adolescente fazer uso de bebida alcóolica (OR: 7,25 IC95% 3,7-14,22). Adolescentes do sexo masculino possuem 1,47 vezes mais chances de consumir bebidas alcoólicas que as meninas (OR: 1,47 IC95% 1,14-1,89). O avançar da idade aumenta 1,36 vezes a chance de o adolescente fazer uso de álcool (OR:1,36 IC95% 22-1,51). Apresentar maior valor de proxy de riqueza aumentou 1,04 vezes a chance de o adolescente consumir bebida alcoólica (OR: 1,04 IC95% 1,01-1,07). Assim, conclui-se que as ações em saúde voltadas para a prevenção do consumo do álcool entre adolescentes devem contemplar as diferenças entre as classes sociais, o gênero e a idade, bem como a prevenção do tabagismo e a promoção da saúde sexual e reprodutiva.

O consumo de bebida alcoólica e o binge drink entre os graduandos de Medicina de uma Universidade de Minas Gerais

RESUMO Objetivos O estudo objetivou verificar o padrão de consumo de bebidas alcoólicas e a presença do beber pesado episódico (BPE) entre os estudantes de Medicina de uma universidade do centro-oeste de Minas Gerais. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal, exploratório e descritivo, realizado com 202 graduandos do curso de Medicina de uma universidade do centro-oeste de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi realizada no primeiro semestre de 2015, com a utilização de um questionário sociodemográfico e do questionário Audit. O tratamento estatístico dos dados foi realizado com a utilização da análise bivariada, por meio do teste qui-quadrado ou do teste de Fisher e de modelos multivariados de regressão logística. Resultados Observou-se que o álcool é utilizado por 76,6% dos estudantes pesquisados, e 53,7% praticavam o BPE. O consumo de bebidas alcoólicas teve associação significativa com a idade e o fato de não morar com a família e estar acima do terceiro ano de graduação. O BPE, por sua vez, esteve associado com o sexo masculino e com o fato de não morar com a família. Conclusões Este trabalho mostrou que o consumo de álcool entre os estudantes de Medicina é maior do que o da população geral e que a prática do BPE possui alta prevalência nesse grupo. Idade, não morar com a família e período mais avançado do curso foram associados a maior consumo de álcool. Ser do sexo masculino e não morar com a família se associaram a maior risco de BPE.

Perfil do consumo de álcool e prática do beber pesado episódico entre universitários brasileiros da área da saúde

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar entre os universitários da área da saúde de uma universidade brasileira a prevalência, o perfil do consumo de álcool e a prática do beber pesado episódico (BPE). Métodos Estudo transversal, quantitativo, com amostra randomizada dos universitários dos 12 cursos da saúde. Foram aplicados questionários individualizados, em formulário eletrônico, utilizando a escala AUDIT, após consentimento informado. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados Entre os 619 estudantes selecionados, a prevalência de consumo de álcool foi de 85%, com perfil do consumo de baixo risco (77,1%). Consumo nocivo e provável dependência foram detectados em 2,7%. A prática do BPE foi de 51,6%, quase o dobro em comparação com outros estudos. As características que mais se associaram ao consumo de álcool foram: ser solteiro, do sexo masculino e frequentar festas semanalmente. Conclusão O consumo de álcool é elevado entre os estudantes avaliados, embora a maioria esteja no perfil de baixo risco. Contudo, fica evidente a necessidade de ações educativas para a promoção da saúde do estudante, visando à redução e ao consumo consciente de bebidas alcoólicas.

Prevalence and associated factors of illicit drug use among university students in the association of southeast Asian nations (ASEAN)

BACKGROUND

Illicit drug use among university students has been recognized as a global public health issue in recent years. It may lead to poor academic performance that in turn leads to poor productivity in their later life. This study explores prevalence of and factors associated with illicit drug use among university students in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

METHODS

This multi-country cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. A multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select undergraduate students from one or two universities in each country for self-administered questionnaire survey. Multivariate logistic regression analyses was performed to explore risk factors related to illicit drug use.

RESULTS

Participants included 7,923 students with a mean age of 20.6 years (SD = 2.8), ranging from 18-30 years. The overall prevalence of frequent (≥10 times), infrequent (1-9 times) and ever (at least once) illicit drug use in the past 12 months was 2.2, 14.7, and 16.9%, respectively. After adjustment, male students were significantly less likely to be infrequent (1-9 times vs. never), but significantly more likely to be ever users compared to females. Compared to those living with parents/guardians, students living away from parents/guardians were significantly less likely to be frequent (≥10 times vs. never) and infrequent users. Students from lower-middle-income countries were significantly more likely to be frequent and infrequent users, but significantly less likely to be ever users compared to those from upper-middle or high-income countries. Students with poor subjective health status were significantly more likely to be frequent users compared to those who reported good subjective health status. Students who reported binge drinking in the past month were significantly more likely to be infrequent users, but significantly less likely to be ever users.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that prevalence of illicit drug use among university students in the ASEAN region varied by country. Concerted social intervention programs should be designed to address related health and behavioral problems such as illicit drug use and alcohol drinking with particular emphasis on at-risk subgroups of this young population.

The behavioural constellation of deprivation: Compelling framework, messy reality

Pepper & Nettle's (P&N's) argument is compelling, but apparently contradictory data are easily found. Associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and substance abuse are sometimes positive, the poor are sometimes eager to educate their children, and perceptions of local mortality risk can be so distorted as to constitute an implausible basis for contextually appropriate responding. These anomalies highlight the need for more psychological work.

Disease burden in Brazil: an investigation into alcohol and non-viral cirrhosis

Alcohol use/dependence are an important risk factor for cirrhosis of the liver. The article aims to describe and conduct a comparative analysis of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY), Years of Life Lost (YLL) and Years Lived with Disability (YLD) of alcohol use disorders and non-viral cirrhosis in Brazil in 2008. DALY was calculated as the sum of YLL and YLD. For YLL estimates, the mean number of deaths from 2007- 2009 in the country was considered. After revision of epidemiological data, prevalence of each disease was modelled with the DisMod tool, which generated incidence data for YLD estimates. Alcohol and non-viral cirrhosis were responsible for 3% and 1% of total DALYs, respectively. In both diseases, men contributed to a greater proportion of DALYs. Among the first ten causes of DALYs, alcohol use disorders occupied the second, third and sixth positions at the ages of 15-29, 30-44 and 45- 59, respectively. Non-viral cirrhosis was the eighth cause of DALY in the 30-44 age group in men; the fifth, in the 45-59 group and the eighth, in the 60-69 group. Age distribution suggests that interventions directed against alcohol use/dependence would have effects on the burden of alcoholic cirrhosis in the country.

A intenção de evitar o consumo de álcool ao dirigir

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os preditores da intenção comportamental de evitar ingerir álcool e dirigir em universitários da cidade do Recife, Pernambuco. Trata-se de dois estudos não probabilísticos do tipo acidental com 488 estudantes, sendo um a construção do questionário e o outro o levantamento da intenção de abster-se de beber e dirigir. Este último permitiu verificar o efeito das variáveis: crenças normativas, atitude e crenças comportamentais, como preditoras da intenção de adotar o comportamento preventivo. Um dos dados obtidos sugere que os universitários não são indiferentes quanto às informações recebidas, construindo uma postura crítica; as autoridades, os pais e os pares são importantes no que diz respeito a evitar o comportamento de beber e dirigir, sendo que a variável gênero mostrou diferenças entre homens e mulheres. A pesquisa apontou a necessidade da realização de projetos de prevenção sobre evitar o consumo de álcool ao dirigir.

Concepções do Alcoolismo na Atualidade: Pesquisas Hegemônicas, Avanços e Contradições

RESUMO O texto resulta de uma revisão da literatura a respeito das concepções e formulações hegemônicas atuais sobre o alcoolismo, com vistas a identificarmos as principais proposições em relação à sua etiologia. Os resultados obtidos foram analisados segundo as formulações da saúde mental com base na epidemiologia crítica marxista, com objetivo de historicizar as concepções encontradas. Identificou-se que a etiologia bio-psico-social, com prevalência na determinação biológica, apresentou-se como proposta recorrente para explicação do alcoolismo. Tal enfoque aponta a uma individualização do problema do abuso do álcool e a uma fragmentação das múltiplas determinações que compõem tal problema.

Valores, Atitudes e Uso de Bebidas Alcoólicas: Proposta de um Modelo Hierárquico

O presente artigo objetivou conhecer a base axiológica das atitudes frente o uso de álcool, testando o modelo hierárquico valores→atitudes→comportamento. Contou-se com a participação de 149 estudantes de duas IES da cidade de Parnaíba (PI), com idade média de 22,8 anos e maioria homens (57,4%) que responderam oQuestionário dos Valores Básicos, a Escala de Atitudes Frente o Uso de Álcool e perguntas sobre dados demográficos. Os resultados indicam que valores de experimentação se correlacionam positivamente com atitudes favoráveis ao consumo de álcool, ao passo que valores normativos o fizeram negativamente. Confirmou-se, ainda, o papel mediador das atitudes. Esta pesquisa buscou dar suporte ao modelo hierárquico supracitado, favorecendo o entendimento do uso de bebidas alcóolicas e delineamento de políticas públicas para combater o padrão disfuncional de consumo.

Análise de hábitos nocivos à saúde entre pacientes com lesões bucais

Objetivo Propõe-se identificar a prevalência dos hábitos tabagistas e etilistas entre pacientes diagnosticados com lesões bucais, assim como possíveis fatores associados. Material e método Estudo analítico, de caráter retrospectivo, entre pacientes assistidos por clínica odontológica universitária na área de Diagnóstico Bucal. Foram analisados os prontuários odontológicos e laudos histopatológicos dos pacientes que realizaram o procedimento de biópsia entre fevereiro de 2010 e julho de 2012. As variáveis dependentes – hábitos nocivos à saúde – foram construídas pelas informações referentes aos hábitos tabagistas e etilistas então atuais ou passados. Utilizou-se o software SPSS 19.0. Foram conduzidas análises descritivas e univariada pelo teste qui-quadrado de Pearson (p≤0,05). A normalidade da amostra foi investigada pelo teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov e Shapiro-Wilk (p<0,05). Resultado Dos 125 pacientes atendidos no período de avaliação, 110 foram incluídos. A presença de hábitos tabagistas e etilistas – então atuais ou passados – foi identificada em 42 (38,2%) e 21 (19,1%) pacientes, respectivamente. Na análise univariada, as variáveis estatisticamente significantes (p≤0,05) associadas ao hábito tabagista foram: sexo, faixa etária, tipo de biópsia e diagnóstico histopatológico. Quanto ao hábito etilista, as variáveis foram: sexo e tipo de biópsia. Conclusão Os hábitos tabagistas e etilistas estiveram ou permaneceram presentes na vida de uma parcela significativa dos indivíduos investigados, que desenvolveram lesões bucais. Nota-se, ainda, quão relevante é o sinergismo de ambos no desenvolvimento de tais lesões.

Fatores associados à prática do binge drinking entre estudantes da área da saúde

OBJETIVO:identificar a prevalência do consumo de álcool e a de fatores associados ao binge drinking entre acadêmicos da saúde de uma instituição de ensino superior.MÉTODOS:trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal e analítica, cujo instrumento de coleta foibaseadono Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. A associação entre o binge drinking e demais variáveis foi investigada pela análise bivariada e Regressão Logística.RESULTADOS:a prevalência de uso de álcool foi de 135 estudantes (74,9%) e do binge drinking foi de 44 (15,3%). O binge drinking foi associado ao sexo masculino e ao tipo de religião. Quanto aos prejuízos para a vida acadêmica, o beber problemático esteve associado às faltas escolares, ao baixo desempenho em avaliações, ao envolvimento em brigas ou eventos fora da lei.CONCLUSÃO:houve alta prevalência de consumo de álcool e prejuízos relativos ao desempenho acadêmico estiveram associados ao binge drinking.

Development of a self-report format of ASSIST with university students

The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is a reliable and valid tool to early detection in the harmful and hazardous drug use in primary care settings when administered by interview in the general population. As the risk of substance related problems in university students is high, it is necessary to have screening instruments that can be used beyond the health care settings. Thus, we compared a self-report adaptation of ASSIST with the validated interview format in a convenience sample of university students. A counter-balance design was chosen with students alternating between the interview and the self-report formats. Both formats were completed by all students (n=170) over 30 days. The scores for total involvement, tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine obtained from the two formats demonstrated good intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC >0.60). The agreement assessed by kappa between questions of the two formats was considered moderate for tobacco (0.76) and cannabis (0.69) and discrete for alcohol (0.47). The consistency of the self-report questionnaire was also good to moderate (Cronbach's alpha of 0.90 for tobacco, 0.71 for alcohol, 0.86 for cannabis and 0.89 for cocaine) and showed acceptable sensitivity (66.7-100%) and specificity (83.5-97.1%) for tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine when compared to the ASSIST interview format (gold standard). The findings suggest that self-report version is as acceptable as the interview and that the scores on the two formats are comparable. However, the participants reported more motivation for change behavior and more concern about substance use when they were interviewed.

Iniciação e consumo de substâncias psicoativas entre adolescentes e adultos jovens de Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Antidrogas/CAPS-AD

O estudo tem como objetivo caracterizar a iniciação e o padrão de consumo de substâncias psicoativas, entre adolescentes e adultos jovens matriculados em Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas - CAPS AD. Foram utilizados os registros dos atendimentos, sendo o padrão de consumo classificado segundo a OMS: uso pouco frequente (uso na vida, no ano ou no mês até cinco dias); uso frequente (de seis até 19 vezes nos últimos 30 dias); uso pesado (> 20 vezes nos últimos 30 dias); na comparação das faixas etárias utilizou-se teste de proporções e para análise das associações, calculou-se prevalência/P e razão de prevalência/RP, com significância de 5% e intervalo de confiança 95%. No total de adolescentes e jovens atendidos entre 2003 e 2008 (475), a maioria foi masculina, solteira, com baixa escolaridade, coabitando com pais e sintomas psíquicos. Constatou-se significância estatística para idade de iniciação ao consumo: adolescentes, em relação aos jovens iniciaram mais precocemente (< 14 anos): o consumo de tabaco; maconha, cocaína; crack e outras SPA. Entre adolescentes, verificou-se resultados significantes para consumo menos frequente de tabaco; mais frequente de álcool; e consumo pesado de maconha. Esses achados podem contribuir para programas preventivos e terapêuticos do CAPS-AD.

Uso de álcool e expectativas do beber entre universitários: uma análise das diferenças entre os sexos

O estudo analisou comparativamente o consumo de álcool e expectativas do beber de homens e mulheres, verificando a relação entre as variáveis. Contou-se com uma amostra de 238 universitários, que responderam aos instrumentos AUDIT e AEQ-A. Homens apresentaram prevalência significativamente maior de uso de álcool no ano, uso problemático e binge. Expectativas de transformações globais positivas e de melhora no desempenho sexual foram maiores entre os homens. Houve correlação positiva entre expectativas e a gravidade de problemas associados ao consumo de álcool para ambos os sexos, no entanto, essa relação foi significativa apenas para os homens. Resultados indicam que diferenças das expectativas do beber entre os sexos podem ter um importante papel em ações de prevenção mais precisas e eficazes sobre o uso de álcool de homens e mulheres.

Relationship between Stress Symptoms and Drug use among Secondary Students

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between drug use and four kinds of stress symptoms in 954 Brazilian students from the 6thto the 11thgrades, in 4 public and 5 private schools in the city of Sao Paulo. Based on their answers to the Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI-R) and to the Stress Scale for Adolescents (SSA), we compared regular drug users with non/occasional drug users regarding the frequency of four kinds of stress symptoms (psychological, cognitive, physiological, interpersonal), and the period in which it happened. When compared to non/occasional drug users, regular drug users presented higher levels of psychological, cognitive and physiological symptoms of stress and these symtoms were in the most severe spectrum of severity (near to exhaustion and exhaustion). The association between drug use and stress was even stronger in the youngest age group (11 to 13 years old). Most of the regular drug users were 16 years old and over, from upper-middle class families, had poor family relationships and more academic problems. These results confirm the association between drug use and stress in adolescents and highlight the need for early screening and intervention in both drug use and stressful situations.

Uso de álcool e tabaco entre estudantes de Psicologia da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo

OBJETIVO: Traçar o perfil do uso de álcool e tabaco entre universitários do curso de graduação em Psicologia do Centro de Ciências Humanas e Naturais da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal, com abordagem quantitativa. A população estudada foi de alunos matriculados no referido curso no segundo semestre do ano de 2010, constituindo uma amostra de 221 estudantes. O questionário utilizado foi o mesmo utilizado no I Levantamento Nacional entre Universitários, proposto pela Secretaria Nacional de Políticas sobre Drogas. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos estudantes era solteira (90,1%), do sexo feminino (81%), estava na faixa etária de 18 a 24 anos (81%), era da raça/cor caucasoide/branca (57,5%) e 55% referiram pertencer às classes econômicas B1 e B2. Encontrou-se maior prevalência de álcool (85,07%) e tabaco (33,07%) na frequência uso na vida, sendo o uso de álcool maior que na população geral. As substâncias associadas ao uso de álcool na vida foram a maconha (p-valor = 0,007), os tranquilizantes (p = 0,011) e os anfetamínicos (p = 0,045). Já para o uso de tabaco na vida, as substâncias mais associadas foram a maconha (p = 0,0001), os inalantes (p = 0,0001), os alucinógenos (p = 0,0001) e os anfetamínicos (p = 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: É necessária maior abordagem nos currículos de graduação, especialmente da Psicologia, sobre o consumo de substâncias psicoativas e seus impactos para o indivíduo, a família e a sociedade, bem como a criação de programas preventivos específicos para estudantes universitários.

Smoking among undergraduate students in the area of health

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between smoking and socio-demographic and behavioral factors among undergraduate students in the area of health at the State University of Paraíba, Brazil. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample from each of the following courses: Dentistry, Nursing, Psychology, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and Physical Education. A total of 492 students were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests were used for statistical analysis at a 5% level of significance. Smoking prevalence was 5.7% and stress was the main reason for starting the habit (36.8%). In the multivariate analysis by logistic regression, the variables of gender, religious persuasion, semester attended in the course, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with smoking (p<0.05). Although other studies reported a strong relationship between university students and smoking, the prevalence of smokers was low. Most of the variables studied revealed a correlation with smoking. Since smoking and alcohol consumption are the two major human addictions, this study suggests a bidirectional relationship between these variables.

Consumo de álcool entre estudantes do ensino médio do município de Passos - MG

Este estudo identificou o padrão de consumo de álcool entre estudantes do ensino médio de Passos (MG) e sua associação com fatores socio-demográficos. Participaram 1.967 adolescentes de instituições públicas e privadas de ensino. Utilizou-se o questionário AUDIT. Realizou-se estatística descritiva, teste de qui-quadrado e regressão logística múltipla. A média de idade dos participantes foi de 15,84±1,23 anos. O primeiro contato com o álcool ocorreu aos 13,37±1,92 anos. Dos adolescentes, 30,96% eram abstêmios, 45,76% apresentaram comportamento de beber moderado, 16,47% de beber de risco, 3,51% de alto risco e 3,31% de possível dependência. Houve associação significativa entre o risco de beber e o sexo, relacionamento do adolescente com a mãe, trabalho, nível econômico e de escolaridade do chefe da família. Na análise multivariada observou-se maior risco para os adolescentes do sexo masculino, trabalhadores e com ausência de bom relacionamento com a mãe. Verificou-se que os adolescentes apresentaram contato precoce com bebidas alcoólicas e alta prevalência de comportamento de beber de risco.

Substance use and its predictors among undergraduate medical students of Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia

Background

Substance use remains high among Ethiopian youth and young adolescents particularly in high schools and colleges. The use of alcohol, khat and tobacco by college and university students can be harmful; leading to decreased academic performance, increased risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, the magnitude of substance use and the factors associated with it has not been investigated among medical students in the country. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of substance use and identify factors that influenced the behavior among undergraduate medical students of Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a pre-tested structured self-administered quantitative questionnaire was conducted in June 2009 among 622 medical students (Year I to Internship program) at the School of Medicine. The data were entered into Epi Info version 6.04d and analyzed using SPSS version 15 software program. Descriptive statistics were used for data summarization and presentation. Differences in proportions were compared for significance using Chi Square test, with significance level set at p < 0.05. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the magnitude of associations between substance use and socio-demographic and behavioral correlates.

Results

In the last 12 months, alcohol was consumed by 22% (25% males vs. 14% females, p = 0.002) and khat use was reported by 7% (9% males vs. 1.5% females, p < 0.001) of the students. About 9% of the respondents (10.6% males vs. 4.6% females, p = 0.014) reported ever use of cigarette smoking, and 1.8% were found to be current smokers. Using multiple logistic regression models, being male was strongly associated with alcohol use in the last 12 months (adjusted OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.22-3.76). Students whose friends currently consume alcohol were more likely to consume alcohol (adjusted OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.50-4.08) and whose friends' use tobacco more likely to smoke (adjusted OR = 3.89, 95% CI = 1.83-8.30). Khat use within the past 12 months was strongly and positively associated with alcohol consumption (adjusted OR = 15.11, 95% CI = 4.24-53.91). Similarly, ever use of cigarette was also significantly associated with alcohol consumption (adjusted OR = 8.65, 95% CI = 3.48-21.50).

Conclusions

Concordant use of alcohol, khat and tobacco is observed and exposure to friends' use of substances is often implicated. Alcohol consumption or khat use has been significantly associated with tobacco use. While the findings of this study suggest that substance use among the medical students was not alarming, but its trend increased among students from Year I to Internship program. The university must be vigilant in monitoring and educating the students about the consequences of substance use.

Social factors associated to binge drinking: a cross-sectional survey among Brazilian students in private high schools

BACKGROUND

Binge drinking (BD) seems to be related to health and social complications among adolescents. Considering that knowledge about BD in developing countries is limited and that in Brazil high socioeconomic status is a risk factor for alcohol abuse, this study sheds light about this phenomenon among adolescents from a different cultural background than prior North-American and European studies.

METHODS

Brazilian students (n = 2691) selected through a representative, stratified and clustered sampling method were asked to answer a self-report questionnaire. The questionnaire contained questions about patterns of alcohol consumption, religious beliefs, leisure activities, family structure and relationships. Data were analyzed with basic contingency tables with Chi-square tests followed by a decision tree analysis and weighted logistic regression.

RESULTS

Almost thirty-five percent of the students reported recent binge drinking. BD in the past month was positively associated with older age (aOR = 1.5[1.2-1.7]), male gender (aOR = 1.5[1.2-2.0]) going out with friends almost every night (aOR = 33.9[14.2-80.7]), not living with mother (aOR = 2.4[1.3-4.7]), believing in God with little conviction (aOR = 1.6[1.2-2.0]) and rarely talking to parents about anything (aOR = 1.7[1.3-2.2]) or always about drugs (aOR = 1.8[1.3-2.5]). Factors inversely associated with BD were: paying lower monthly tuition fees (aOR = 0.5[0.4-0.9]), living with people who do not get drunk (aOR = 0.6[0.4-0.7]) and frequent engagement in worships (aOR = 0.7[0.5-0.9]).

CONCLUSION

The habit of BD in adolescents enrolled in private high schools in Brazil is strongly linked to the frequency with which they go out with friends at night. Factors such as religiosity, expressed by trust in God and participation in worship, and being enrolled in a school with cheaper tuition fees were associated with avoidance of BD in this population.

[Characterization of psychiatric admissions for detoxification of drug addicted adolescents]

The purpose of this research was to characterize the profile of adolescents hospitalized for detoxification in a public hospital in the West of Paraná and correlate the socio-demographic variables with the use of street drugs. It is a retrospective study from the consultations in 81 protocols of admission of addicted adolescents hospitalized from March 2007 to April 2008. The largest admission was of male adolescents (79%).The most frequently used drugs by were crack (87.6%), followed by marijuana (85.2%), from these, 79% of these adolescents use these two drugs concomitantly. Most adolescents (55.6%) reported using drugs for more than three years, and 56.8% had already received some type of treatment before admission. Factors that lead to abusive consumption of drugs, such as easy access, leaving school, the use of drugs in the family and lack of motivation for treatment were identified.

Alcoolismo e tabagismo em idosos: relação com ingestão alimentar e aspectos socioeconômicos

OBJETIVOS: Verificar a prevalência do alcoolismo e tabagismo em idosos residentes na cidade de Porto Alegre, RS, e estabelecer sua relação entre a ingestão alimentar diária e o nível socioeconômico, de acordo com o sexo, grupo etário, escolaridade, renda, situação e composição familiar. MÉTODOS: Esta pesquisa fez parte do Projeto Estudo Multidimensional dos Idosos de Porto Alegre (EMIPOA), que foi desenvolvida pelo IGG/PUCRS. As entrevistas foram realizadas no ambulatório do Instituto de Geriatria e Gerontologia do Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS. Foi aplicado um questionário com dados socioeconômicos e de saúde por profissionais treinados. RESULTADOS: Dos 832 entrevistados, 71,2% eram mulheres e 28,8% homens. A faixa etária mais prevalente foi de 60 a 69 anos (44,8%). Com prevalência na faixa etária acima citada de 7,5% para alcoolistas e 23,9% para tabagistas. O alcoolismo e o tabagismo prevaleceram entre os homens, 11,7% e 20,8%, respectivamente. Em relação à escolaridade, a maior prevalência foi entre alcoolistas e tabagistas que possuíam apenas o 1º grau, 4,7% e 16,1%, respectivamente. Observou-se que dentre os idosos alcoolistas ou fumantes, a maioria não tem relação familiar (P<0,001). Já em relação à ingestão alimentar, houve um maior número de fumantes ou alcoolistas que fazem de 1 a 2 refeições diárias. CONCLUSÕES: Existem poucos estudos que investigam as tendências e consequências do tabagismo e alcoolismo entre a população idosa. Ações de saúde devem ser planejadas, visando a diminuir o consumo abusivo de álcool e tabagismo, bem como prevenir seus malefícios a saúde.

[Psychoactive substance use among Espírito Santo Federal University odontology students]

The objective of this article is to trace the psychoactive substance use profile among odontology college students from the Espírito Santo Federal University Health Sciences Center. It is an explorative, descriptive, transversal and quantitative study developed with first to last year college students of the odontology course. The instrument used for data collection was an adaptation of one proposed by WHO and developed by WHO - Research and Reporting Project on the Epidemiology of Drug Dependence. Data were listed and analyzed through the Statistical Package Program for the Social Science. The results showed that 60.3% colleges student are female, 48.9% age between 20 and 22 years, 41.3% and 43.7% belong to A and B social class, respectively. The prevalence of psychoactive drugs use reported at least once in lifetime was 72.4% except for alcohol and tobacco; 25.9% used inhaled drugs, 13.2% marijuana, 10.9% amphetamines , 27% tobacco and 87.9% alcohol. It could be concluded that is necessary to prevent improper drug use among college students by inserting this subject on the college curriculum as well as establishing drug use prevention programs for students.

Condutas de saúde entre universitários: diferenças entre gêneros

Este estudo investigou diferenças entre os gêneros nas condutas de saúde de universitários em final de curso. A amostra foi composta de 382 estudantes de universidades públicas do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, com idade entre 20 e 29 anos. Os dados foram coletados mediante a aplicação do questionário National College Health Risk Behavior Survey, validado previamente para o português. Foram utilizadas técnicas de estatística descritiva e inferencial. Para análise de associação foram utilizados teste qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher. Os resultados foram considerados significantes para p < 0,05. Verificou-se que, de modo geral, os estudantes do gênero feminino apresentaram freqüências menores de condutas de risco para a saúde como: consumo de álcool (p = 0,005), tabagismo (p = 0,002), experimentação de maconha (p = 0,002), consumo de inalantes (p < 0,001), uso de esteróides (p = 0,003), porte de arma (p = 0,001) e envolvimento em briga física (p = 0,014). Os estudantes, no entanto, relataram maior preocupação em perder ou manter o peso, apesar de a prática de atividade física ter sido menos freqüente neste grupo. Pode-se concluir que há diferenças significativas com relação às condutas de saúde entre os gêneros, devendo haver abordagens diferenciadas para os dois grupos.

Prevalência e fatores associados ao baixo nível de atividade física entre estudantes universitários de uma universidade pública da região Nordeste - Brasil

Os baixos níveis de atividade física estão relacionados com o aumento da ocorrência de doenças crônicas e a redução da qualidade de vida da população. Este estudo buscou estimar a prevalência de baixo nível de atividade física entre estudantes de graduação da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, bem como encontrar fatores associados a esta condição. Trata-se de um estudo seccional estratificado por Centro, com partilha proporcional em função do ano de ingresso, do curso e do turno de estudo. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período no primeiro semestre de 2007, com a participação de 1.503 estudantes. Foram investigadas questões relativas a dados pessoais, caracterização socioeconômica, estilo de vida e saúde, avaliação nutricional e atividade física. Para mensurar nível de atividade física utilizou-se a versão longa IPAQ. A prevalência observada de baixo nível de atividade física foi de 31,2%. Os estudantes com maior tempo de ingresso na universidade, os que estudam no período noturno e aqueles que passam menos tempo na universidade tiveram maior prevalência de baixo nível de atividade física. Também maior renda e classe social mostraram-se associados a maior prevalência de baixa atividade física. Considerando os riscos do baixo nível de atividade física para saúde e a importância da fase universitária como uma transição da etapa adolescente para a vida adulta, faz-se necessário o incentivo à prática de atividades físicas na universidade como medida preventiva para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e para a melhoria da qualidade de vida na fase adulta e na velhice.

[Religious intervention and recovery from drug addiction]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the role of emerging religious interventions in the recovery from drug addiction.

METHODOLOGICAL PROCEDURES

An exploratory qualitative study carried out in the city of Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, in 2004 and 2005. In-depth interviews were held with 85 former drug users who had turned to non-medical religious resources for the treatment of their drug addiction and who were free from drugs for at least six months. The religious groups included in the analysis were Catholics, Evangelicals and Spiritualists. The interviews contained questions relating to sociodemographic data, the religiosity of the interviewee, his or her history of drug consumption, medical treatment for drug addiction, religious treatment and prevention of drug consumption through religion.

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

There were differences between the religious groups in the way that the drug addict was supported. The group that most used religion as an exclusive form of treatment was the Evangelicals, who rejected the intervention of a doctor andr any kind of pharmacological treatment. The Spiritualists most turned to therapeutic support for alcohol dependence, as well as conventional treatment, on account of their greater purchasing power. Catholics generally relied exclusively on religious therapy, but were less likely to reject the possibility of medical treatment. The importance given to prayer as an anxiolytic method was common in the three treatments. Confessions and pardons--in the forms of (faith) conversions and penitence for Evangelicals and Catholics respectively--served to help to rebuild people's lives and restore their self-esteem.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the interviewees, what helped them to maintain their abstinence from drugs was more than just religious faith. Other factors included the support, positive pressure and welcoming offered by the group, and the offer to rebuild their lives with the unconditional support of religious leaders.

Uso de álcool, tabaco e outras drogas por adolescentes escolares em município do Sul do Brasil

Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o comportamento dos estudantes do ensino público municipal de Gravataí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, em relação ao consumo de álcool, tabaco e outras drogas, investigando fatores associados. Foi utilizado delineamento transversal com amostra aleatória representativa de 1.170 escolares da 7ª série e estratificada por região do município. As associações entre desfechos e fatores em estudo foram testadas com regressão de Cox bivariada, modificada para estudos transversais. Foram encontrados, respectivamente, 60,7%, 16,9% e 2,4% de uso na vida de bebida alcoólica, tabaco e outras drogas. Nos últimos trinta dias, o álcool também apresentou a maior prevalência (33%), seguido pelo tabaco (4,4%) e outras drogas (0,6%). O estudo revelou a importância da família e dos amigos na experimentação das substâncias pelos jovens. A prevalência do uso de tabaco e álcool nos últimos trinta dias esteve associada à presença de sentimentos de tristeza, solidão, dificuldade para dormir e ideação suicida. O consumo de outras drogas esteve associado ao sentimento de solidão e ideação suicida.

Personal and interpersonal risk factors in the consumption of illicit drugs by marginal adolescents and young people from juvenile gangs

Marginal populations are groups which are known to present higher risks of drug consumption. It is possible to identify adolescents and young people from juvenile gangs that constitute this group. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of personal and interpersonal risk factors of drug consumption in 175 marginal adolescents and young people who belong to juvenile gangs in Mexico. Results showed a significant effect of personal factors on drug use, with an estimated variation of 26.1%. The factors that presented the highest rates were: gender, age and mental problems. The interpersonal factors (relationships with friends who have maladaptive behaviors and inappropriate relationships with parents) showed an effect with an estimated variation of 15%. These results will allow for reflection and, in the future, the elaboration of adequate preventive programs aimed at this group of young people.

Religious treatments for drug addiction: an exploratory study in Brazil

The main objective of the present work is to understand the processes used in emerging Catholic and Protestant religious interventions for recovery from drug dependence, from the vantage point of individuals subjected to them. A qualitative method and an intentional sample selected by criteria were adopted for this investigation, which was conducted in São Paulo, Brazil. An in-depth semi-structured interview was conducted with 57 predominantly male former drug users who fit the criteria: they had been submitted to non-medical religious treatments to treat dependence and were abstinent for at least 6 months. Crisis was found to be the main reason leading interviewees to seek treatment; this includes, losing family, losing employment, and experiencing severe humiliation. Evangelicals most used religious resources exclusively as treatment, showing strong aversion to the role of doctors and to any type of pharmacological treatment. A common feature of Catholic and Protestant groups is the importance ascribed to praying and talking to God, described by subjects as strongly anxiolytic, and a means to control drug craving. Confession and forgiveness, through faith conversion or penitences, respectively, appeal strongly to the restructuring of life and increase of self-esteem. Religious interventions were considered effective by the individuals who underwent them and were seen as attractive for the humane, respectful treatment they delivered. The key aspects of this type of treatment are social support provided by the receiving group, equal treatment, and instant, judgment-free acceptance. The success of these actions, then, is not only due to some "supernatural" aspect, as might be assumed, but also more to the unconditional dedication of human beings to their peers. Given the difficulty in treating drug dependence, religious interventions could be used as a complementary treatment for conventional therapies.

Antisocial behavior and alcohol consumption by school adolescents

Adolescence is a vulnerable period and facilitates the start of risk behaviors, for instance the use of drugs. This study aims to describe the differences between antisocial behavior and alcohol consumption according to gender, age and education; as well as to discover the relation between antisocial behavior and alcohol consumption in 1,221 school adolescents from Monterrey - Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The findings reveal differences in antisocial behavior according to gender. Evidences showed that 41.3% of the students had consumed alcohol at sometime in their lives, and that differences exist in alcohol consumption according to age and education. Finally, the study found positive and significant relations between antisocial behavior and alcohol consumption (r s = .272, p <.001).

Detecção do uso de drogas de abuso por estudantes de medicina de uma universidade privada

O uso de drogas entre estudantes universitários está cada dia mais difundido. Os índices de uso de álcool e drogas ilícitas podem ser maiores na população universitária do que na população em geral. OBJETIVO: Este trabalho procurou detectar quais são as drogas de abuso usadas pelos estudantes de medicina de universidade privada de Curitiba para posterior implementação de programa de prevenção secundária nesta população. MÉTODOS: Durante 106 dias, em 2006, foi aplicada adaptação virtual do questionário Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) aos 209 estudantes de medicina participantes do presente trabalho. RESULTADOS: Oitenta e oito (42%) estudantes participaram. A maioria era solteira (88%) e tinham entre 17 e 25 anos (85%). Setenta e oito por cento usou álcool pelo menos uma vez na vida. O uso na vida de tabaco foi de 39%; cannabis sativa 26%, inalantes 22% e estimulantes 11%. DISCUSSÃO: Os resultados encontrados são semelhantes aos de outras pesquisas em universidades e mostram alto número de usuários de drogas, especialmente o álcool. Essa é uma situação preocupante e aponta a importância da instituição educacional na prevenção da dependência química. CONCLUSÃO: O ambiente universitário influencia o uso de drogas e novas estratégias de prevenção são necessárias.

Uso de substâncias psicoativas entre universitários de medicina da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo

OBJETIVO: Traçar o perfil do uso de substâncias psicoativas entre os universitários do Curso de Medicina do Centro de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo, transversal e quantitativo, desenvolvido com 168 universitários, do primeiro ao último ano do curso de medicina. O instrumento utilizado na coleta de dados foi o Questionário sobre o Uso de Drogas, uma adaptação do questionário proposto pela OMS¹. Os dados foram tabulados por meio do programa Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS)². RESULTADOS: Ao todo, 54,8% dos universitários são do sexo feminino, 76,8% se encontram na faixa etária de 17 a 22 anos e 50% pertencem à classe social B. Quanto ao uso de substâncias psicoativas, 86,9% relataram uso na vida de álcool, seguido de tabaco (22,0%), solventes (15,5%), anfetaminas (10,1%), cannabis sativa (9,5%), alucinógenos com 1,8% e barbitúricos com 0,6%. CONCLUSÃO: Faz-se necessária a prevenção do uso indevido de substâncias psicoativas entre universitários, por meio de disciplinas curriculares que abordem a temática e de programas de prevenção destinados a essa população.