Prevalence and risk factors of substance use (SPA), in students of secondary education institution in the city of Popayán, Colombia

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prevalence, risk factors and risk perception of psychoactive substance use among students at an educational institution average male in Popayan city. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of a stratified sample of 224 participants from a population of 810 high school students divided in 22 subgroups. Participants registered an instrument type survey divided into four components: sociodemographic characteristics, prevalence of consumption, risk factors, component for which the instrument was adapted from the DUSI (Drug Use Screening Inventory) and perception of risk. The results were tabulated through the program "Microsoft Excel". Results: The most commonly used substance is alcohol with consumption in the last month of 9.8%. Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines are substances that are consumed from 6th to 11th grade. Of the nine Risk Factors studied, four were with Moderate Severity: Mental condition, Personal Conduct, relationship with friends and peers, and Health Status. The average perceived "great risk" is 75.1%, being higher for crack users (88%) and lowest for alcohol (51.8%). In contrast, the perception of "no risk" and "slight risk" averaged 3.9% and 7.2%, respectively. Conclusion: We found a high intake of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine, and all the high school courses describe contact with SPA. There is a tendency to normalize smoking and alcohol consumption. It’s recommended to work the risk factors that have not yet showing high severity.