Estudio de los factores de riesgo y protección del consumo de sustancias en adolescentes

Abstract

Research over the past two decades has tried to determine how drug abuse begins and how it progresses. There is enough evidence to say there is not just one cause of drug abuse Many research has identify many risk factors which can increase a person`s chance for drug abuse, while protective factors can reduce the risk. The more risks a child is exposed to, the more likely the child will abuse drugs. Some risk factors may be more powerful than others at certain stages in development, such as peer pressure during the teenage years; just as some protective factors, such as a strong parent-child bond, can have a greater impact on reducing risks during the early years. METHOD. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Guadalajara, Spain, to identify risk and protective factors associated with drugs use among adolescent students in a secondary high school sample in Guadalajara, Spain. Data collection was carried out from February until May 2008, and two scales or questionnaires were used: a) Drug Inventory Questionnaire (PNSD, 2008). b) COPE, developed by Carver, Scheier y Weintraub, (1989) and translated and validated in a Spanish sample by Crespo and Cruzado 1996. Both questionnaires were completed by 1389 adolescents between 14 and 18 years old who were studying Secondary School. The statistical analyses was done using SPSS 15 program. Frequencies analysis, Odd ratio, factorial analysis, and multivariate analysis were carried out to achieve the aims of this research. RESULTS. The results of this research show some factors related to the onset of substances use and multidrug use. These main factors were: age, personal satisfaction; coping strategies such as denial, humour, avoidance and substance use; recreational nightlife context, peers use and risk perceived among drug use. CONCLUSION: Results highlight the importance of different personal, interpersonal and social factors on the onset of drugs use. These must be considered to properly arrange intervention programs focusing on primary prevention among teenagers.