Drug risk use using the ASSIST modified in students, teachers and administrative staff of a public university.

Abstract

Drug use is a major cause of global morbidity and its impact generates significant health, economic and social expenditures. The highest rates of drug use are seen in the population between the ages of 18 and 25, where a significant proportion are university students. The objective of this study was to calculate the prevalence of substance risk consumption among students, professors and workers at a public university in Ecuador. In addition, the calculation of the internal consistency (reliability) of the modified ASSIST questionnaire was performed. Patients and Methods: A cross-analytical study was conducted, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Substances Consumption Detection (ASSIST) test was applied in two population groups (students and workers – teachers). The internal consistency of each subscale of the questionnaire was evaluated with Cronbach’s alpha. Percentages with 95% CI were used to estimate the prevalence of risk consumption. Results: 4958 students and 425 teachers, workers and employees responded to the ASSIST questionnaire. The calculation of the internal consistency (reliability) of the instrument, proved Cronbach satisfactory (>0.7) for consumption of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. The prevalence of high-risk alcohol use (5.3% for students and 4.9% for workers and teachers), tobacco and cannabis were high in the groups studied. In addition, the percentage of the population with moderate risk consumption was also significant. Conclusions: Under the high rates of high and moderate risk use for drug use, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive program of promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation aimed at university students. The modified ASSIST test showed satisfactory internal consistency in the assessment of substance risk consumption.