Uso de redes sociales para la prevención del abuso de sustancias durante la cuarentena por COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has increased exposure to stressors, which can lead to an increase in drug use as a coping mechanism. Due to the confinement, social networks represent an important means for dissemination of clear, reliable information on ways to prevent drug abuse, and the consequences of said abuse in the general population and among those most vulnerable to acquiring the virus and developing the most serious symptomatology of COVID-19. Objective: to disseminate scientific evidence-based information on alcohol, tobacco and drug use in the context of the COVID-19 contingency in Mexico. Method: we developed messages accompanied by images through the analysis of information on drug use and COVID-19 from a government institution. The messages were disseminated on two social networks to promote healthy behaviors, to increase the knowledge about risks associated to COVID-19 and drug use, and to encourage reflection. Results: the messages reached a total of 851,622 people and had up to 35,819 interactions on Facebook and Twitter. Discussion and conclusions: knowing the interactions in social networks allows to strategically incorporate specific information for different populations at risk. Having information from an institutional social network is a tool to prevent the dissemination of false or inaccurate information.