Abuso de alcohol en niños y adolescentes escolarizados y factores asociados

Abstract

IntroductionPrevious studies have confirmed high prevalence of alcohol abuse in adolescent students from Bucaramanga, Colombia. However, few studies on the associated factors have been carried out. ObjectiveAssessment of prevalence of alcohol abuse and associated factors in student children and adolescents from Bucaramanga. MethodologyA random sample of adolescent students completed an anonymous questionnaire about the consumption of alcohol, illegal and legal substances, together with the CAGE questionnaire and a series of scales and questionnaires assessing risk factors for alcohol abuse. To adjust for confusing variables, a multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic regression model. Results2916 students were surveyed with an average age between 10 and 22, and a mean of 14.4 years (SD 1.65), 51.1% were female, 36% were in the last two years of high school (10th and 11th grades), and 17.66% were in private schools. The alcohol abuse pattern as measured by the CAGE scale was 14.6% (95% CI, 13.3 – 16.0%). The associated factors were: age (OR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.04 – 1.27), having a smoking or consuming alcohol sibling (OR: 1.48, 95% CI, 1.01 – 1.17) antisocial behavior (OR 3.03, 95% CI, 2.12 – 4.32) and best friend who uses illicit substances (OR 1.71, 95% CI, 1.06 – 2.76), best friend who smokes or drinks alcohol (OR 2.01, 95% CI, 1.40 – 2.88). ConclusionsOne out of 7 students showed a pattern of alcohol abuse. The associated factors were the influence of friends, family, age and antisocial behavior.