Family and contextual factors associated with licit drug use in adolescence.

Erick Tássio Barbosa Neves,Laio Da Costa Dutra,Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia,Saul Martins Paiva,Fernanda Morais Ferreira,Monalisa Cesarino Gomes

doi:10.11606/s1518-8787.2021055003531

Abstract

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE:TO evaluate the family and contextual factors associated with licit drug use among 15 to 19-year-old adolescents in the school context.METHODS:This is a representative, school-based, cross-sectional study conducted with 746 adolescents from 15 to 19 years old enrolled in public and private schools. Parents/guardians reported on the sociodemographic variables, while adolescents answered questionnaires on drug use, family cohesion and adaptability, oral health literacy and visits to the dentist. Information on school context was obtained at the institution and via municipal publications. Associations between variables were analyzed using unadjusted and adjusted multilevel Poisson regression models.RESULTS:Prevalence of licit drug use at least once and a pattern indicative of harmful drug use were 39.8% and 15.1%, respectively. After the adjusted analysis of licit drug use at least once, the variables gender (PR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.01–1.59), family cohesion (PR = 9.81; 95%CI: 1.23–72.54), and average income of the school district (PR = 0.72; 95%CI: 0.57–0.91) remained in the final model. As for drug abuse, only the detached type (PR = 23.01; 95%CI: 2.46–214.87) and separated type (PR = 13.54; 95%CI: 1.40–130.97) of family cohesion remained in the final model.CONCLUSION:Experience with licit drug use was associated with family and contextual factors among the adolescents, while family cohesion was the main factor related to harmful drug use.

Highlights

The transitional stage of development known as adolescence involves a series of transformations that leave teenagers more vulnerable to unhealthy habits
As for drug abuse, only the detached type (PR = 23.01; 95%confidence intervals (CI): 2.46–214.87) and separated type (PR = 13.54; 95%CI: 1.40–130.97) of family cohesion remained in the final model
Experience with licit drug use was associated with family and contextual factors among the adolescents, while family cohesion was the main factor related to harmful drug use

Summary

Introduction

The transitional stage of development known as adolescence involves a series of transformations that leave teenagers more vulnerable to unhealthy habits. In Brazil, the most recent National School Health Survey with basic education students (conducted in 2015) found that 55.5% and 18.4% had experimented with alcohol and cigarettes, respectively. Given such context, the World Health Organization recommends carrying out epidemiological studies to assist in the establishment of public policies, given its status as an important public health strategy[1]. The World Health Organization recommends carrying out epidemiological studies to assist in the establishment of public policies, given its status as an important public health strategy[1] Another important aspect regarding health-related behavior is family cohesion[6], defined as the emotional bonds that family members have with each other and the expression of belonging and acceptance within the family[6]. That a higher level of family cohesion is associated with less licit drug use among adolescents

Methods

Results

Conclusion