Factores de riesgo para el consumo de drogas en adolescentes

Abstract

The use of psychotropic substances represents a public health problem that affects more than 269 million people worldwide, with a higher incidence among adolescents, consideredthe most vulnerable group. The objective of this study is to determine the risk factors for drug use among adolescents in an educational unit in Ambato, Ecuador. This is a quantitative, descriptive, field and cross-sectional study. The population consisted of 514 students between 15 and 17 years of age from an educational unit, with a sample of 347 students. The instrument used was the risk factor survey applicable to adolescents at the secondary level. Consent and assent were requested from the participants after informing them of the objectives of the study. The results showed that 306 adolescents consumed drugs, 73.2% of whom were between 16 and 17 years of age, 51.6% were female, 74.2% lived with both parents, 78.8% of the students reported a regular relationship at home, 85.6% maintained an average level of communication with their parents and 77.1% of the students who consumed drugs said they were aware of the subject. However, 85.9% do not consider tobacco and alcohol as drugs and 37.9% admit to having consumed by choice. A relationship was found between the variables sex and knowledge about drugs and drug use in adolescents. Finally, the high level of lack of knowledge about drugs influenced drug use.