Quality Of Life In Adolescents Research Articles

The mediational role of positive youth development in the relationship between physical activity and health-related quality of life in adolescents from urban and rural environments

The mediational role of positive youth development in the relationship between physical activity and health-related quality of life in adolescents from urban and rural environments

Self-Esteem, Social Appearance Anxiety and Quality of Life among Adolescents with Acne

Background: Acne is a common dermatological condition affecting adolescents, often leading to psychological issues such as low self-esteem and social appearance anxiety. Understanding the impact of acne on quality of life during adolescence is crucial for developing effective interventions. Objective: To explore the relationship between acne, self-esteem, social appearance anxiety, and quality of life among adolescents, and to identify gender differences and significant predictors of quality of life in this population. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed purposive sampling to recruit 327 adolescents aged 12-19 years from various educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Participants completed the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Teenager's Quality of Life Index (T-QoL). Informed consent was obtained directly from participants aged 18 and older, and from guardians for those younger than 18. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing Pearson's correlation, t-tests, and linear regression to assess relationships and predictors. Reliability of the scales was confirmed, and psychometric properties were evaluated. Results: Significant correlations were found between acne and social appearance anxiety (r = 0.523, p < 0.01), acne and self-esteem (r = -0.320, p < 0.01), and acne and quality of life (r = 0.566, p < 0.01). Females reported higher self-esteem (M = 27.46, SD = 4.59) compared to males (M = 26.33, SD = 3.50, t(325) = -2.52, p = 0.01). Social appearance anxiety was the most significant predictor of quality of life (β = 0.61, p < 0.01), followed by self-esteem (β = -0.12, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Acne significantly impacts adolescents' psychological well-being, particularly through increased social appearance anxiety and reduced self-esteem. Gender differences highlight the need for tailored interventions. Addressing social appearance anxiety can improve the quality of life for adolescents with acne.

Effects of a choral program combining wind instrument performance and breathing training on respiratory function, stress, and quality of life in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial.

Choral activities are correlated with various health and wellbeing parameters. However, an intervention combining a music program using wind instruments and choral activities has not yet been investigated. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week intervention combining a wind instrument performance program and a choral program on stress factors, quality of life, and respiratory function in adolescents located in a metropolitan city with exposure to air pollution. This randomized controlled trial consisted of 50 adolescents, and the subjects were randomly assigned to a combination wind instrument and choral training group, a choral training group, and a control group. Following a 12-week intervention program, respiratory function, stress factors, and quality of life were compared between the three groups. Regarding respiratory function, with the exception of maximal inspiratory pressure, all measured variables exhibited an interaction to indicate a variation in the pattern of change(p<0.05). Furthermore, regarding stress factors and quality of life, all measured variables exhibited an interaction to indicate a variation in the pattern of change(p<0.05). As a result of the post-hoc analysis, significant differences were found in all variables in experimental group 1 compared to other groups (p<0.05). The results showed that the 12-week intervention combining a wind instrument performance program and a choral program had positive effects in improving the respiratory function, stress factors, and quality of life in adolescents. This study findings are expected to support future studies aimed at promoting overall health including respiratory function and psychological factors through various music-based programs.

Upadacitinib Rapidly Improves Patient-Reported Outcomes in Atopic Dermatitis: 16-Week Results from Phase3 Clinical Trials (Measure Up1 and 2).

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by intense itch and other symptoms that negatively impact quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the effect of upadacitinib (an oral selective Janus kinase inhibitor) monotherapy on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD over 16weeks. This integrated analysis of the double-blind, placebo-controlled periods of phase3 monotherapy clinical trials Measure Up1 (NCT03569293) and Measure Up2 (NCT03607422) assessed itch (Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale [WP-NRS] and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis [SCORAD]), skin pain and symptom severity (AD Symptom Scale), symptom frequency (Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure), sleep (AD Impact Scale [ADerm-IS] and SCORAD), daily activities and emotional state (ADerm-IS), QoL (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] and Children's DLQI), mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and patient impressions (Patient Global Impression of Severity, Patient Global Impression of Change, and Patient Global Impression of Treatment). Data from 1683 patients (upadacitinib 15mg, n = 557; upadacitinib 30mg, n = 567; placebo, n = 559) were analyzed. A greater proportion of patients receiving upadacitinib versus placebo experienced improvements in itch (≥ 4-point improvement on WP-NRS) by week1 (upadacitinib 15mg, 11.2%; upadacitinib 30mg, 17.7%; placebo, 0.5%; P < 0.001), with response rates sustained through week16 (upadacitinib 15mg, 47.1%; upadacitinib 30mg, 59.8%; placebo, 10.4%; P < 0.001). Improvements were similar for PROs assessing skin pain/symptoms, sleep, daily activities, QoL, emotional state, mental health, and patient impressions of disease severity and treatment. Responses generally improved rapidly (within 1-2weeks), increased through weeks 4-6, and were maintained through week16. Once-daily oral upadacitinib monotherapy improved response rates across PROs compared with placebo. Upadacitinib therapy resulted in rapid, sustained improvements in PROs measuring symptom burden and QoL in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severeAD. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT03569293 and NCT03607422.

Agreement between self-, mother and father proxy-reports on health-related quality of life in adolescents with Tourette syndrome.

This study aimed to investigate agreement and discrepancies between parent proxy- and adolescent self-reports on assessments of adolescents' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the role that individual factors may play in parent-adolescent agreement, in a sample of adolescents with Tourette syndrome (TS) compared to a control group of healthy adolescents. Adolescents aged 12-18years diagnosed with TS were recruited with their parents from primary and secondary referral centres. Adolescent healthy controls were matched for gender and age. Adolescents and each of their parents completed a set of questionnaires including a HRQoL evaluation of adolescent, the 'Vécu et Santé Perçue de l'Adolescent'. Mother-adolescent, father-adolescent and mother-father agreements on adolescents' HRQoL scores were investigated at individual and group level, both in TS and control groups. Data were available for 75 adolescents, 75 mothers and 63 fathers, in the TS group. Agreement between mother, father proxy-reports and TS adolescents self-reports of HRQoL varied from poor to good, without significant difference with the control group. In TS group, mothers and fathers underestimated adolescents' HRQoL in 'Psychological well-being' subscale and mothers underestimated it in 'Physical 'well-being' subscale, while controls overestimated adolescents' HRQoL in these subscales. Larger mother-adolescent discrepancies for 'Psychological well-being' and 'Physical well-being' subscales were associated with internalizing symptoms. Regarding future studies, comprehensive evaluation of the various dimensions of adolescents' HRQoL with TS requires the integration of the perspectives of both adolescents, mothers and fathers. Clinicians should take into account this point to provide comprehensive care and services.

The Effect of Academic Burnout and Quality of Life in Adolescents’ Career Indecisiveness

Career decisions during adolescence are crucial and challenging. Most adolescents experience career indecisiveness, including dilemma, pressure, confusion, and difficulties which causes them to delay or leave their choices to others. Previous studies examined career indecision related to personality factors, social support, and school career programs. Aim of this study to examine the relationship and effect of academic burnout and quality on life towards career indecisiveness in adolescents. This quantitative study involved 575 adolescents in the Greater Jakarta area, which were selected through random sampling techniques. Data were collected by using google form questionnaires through a link. In this stage, the instrument consists of the Student Burnout Inventory, The WHO Quality of Life BREF, and The Career Indecisiveness Scale. Data were analyzed with multiple correlations and regression tests. The results showed that both academic burnout and quality of life have moderate correlations and effect in adolececnts’ career indecisiveness at 18.3%. The psycho-emotional dimension was a role in predicting academic burnout and quality of life, meanwhile the lack of information was a major problem for adolescents’ career indecisiveness. Keywords: adolescent, academic burnout, quality of life, career indecisiveness

Comparative assessment of quality of life among adolescents with sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait: evidence from Odisha, India.

The present study aims to assess the quality of life (QOL) of adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell trait (SCT) in hard-to-reach regions in Koraput district of Odisha state. 387 adolescents with sickle cell genes (HbSS = 52, HbAS = 135, HbA = 200) were selected through their medical records from southern parts of Odisha. A validated and pretested QOL scale was modified to assess the QOL. The questionnaires were modified by aiming to describe the proportion of adolescents who feel restricted in different domains, measuring the extent within each domain, and finding an aggregate score of QOL. Furthermore, to explore the expenditure on health, 552 households were selected randomly, of which 72 families had HbS individuals. This study found a significantly lower health-related QOL in adolescents with SCD. However, most psychosocial sub-domains, for instance, worry about the illness, frequency of angry days, feeling jealousness toward other normal adolescents, and negative feelings of sadness on some days, are similarly affected in adolescents with SCT and SCD. The overall QOL of SCD individuals is more affected (percentage of affected mean score = 60.93%), followed by SCT individuals (35.63%). Healthy adolescents' QOL is relatively unaffected (13% were affected). The yearly frequency of blood transfusion received (1.7 ± 0.4) and hospitalization (2.1 ± 0.9) was significantly higher in adolescents with SCD. The healthcare expenditure was significantly higher (3.6% to 81.3% of the family income) in families with HbS than in families without HbS (0.8% to 19.2%) (p < 0.05). The overall QOL was affected in both SCD and SCT adolescents. The focus should be given equally to both SCD and SCT individuals, in spite of only SCD individuals.

Effect of Music Therapy on Chemotherapy Anticipatory Symptoms in Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study

IntroductionThis study explores the feasibility and effects of music therapy on anticipatory nausea and vomiting, stress, pain and quality of life in adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. MethodsThis is a single group, quasi-experimental study using pre/post-test design. Participants received four individual sessions of music therapy (MT), led by a certified music therapist. State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory Y-1, and a 0-4 Likert scale for pain, nausea and vomiting were recorded. Heart rate variability (LF/HF) was collected during sessions. PedsQL was collected before and at the end of the trial. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. ResultsA significant reduction in anxiety, nausea and vomiting, both pre-post single sessions and between different sessions, was observed. A significant increase in LF/HF and PedsQL scores was observed. Relevant themes also emerged from interviews. ConclusionResults support the feasibility of introducing music therapy with adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. Perceived stress and psychological/physical wellbeing were improved in participants.

Greater changes in self-reported activity level are associated with decreased quality of life in patients following an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

ObjectiveTo determine the association between change in physical activity level, as defined as the change from pre-to post-operative Tegner Activity Scale, and quality of life (QOL) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), before patients are cleared for return to sport. Participants1198 participants (42.9% male; 18.7 ± 3.6 years; 7.1 ± 3.7 months post-ACLR). Main outcome measuresSurveys included Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score QOL (KOOS-QOL) subscale and Tegner Activity Scale. KOOS-QOL score ≥62.5 is considered as meeting a previously established patient acceptable symptom state. ResultsThe acceptable KOOS-QOL group reported a significantly smaller decrease in activity level from pre-injury to time of data collection (median: 2.00, IQR: 2.00) than the unacceptable KOOS-QOL group (median: 3.00, IQR: 3.00). Across the full cohort, for every one-point larger decrease in Tegner score from pre-to post-ACLR, there is a 52% increase in the odds of having an unacceptable KOOS-QOL score. For adolescents, the odds increase to 60% while the odds for adults were lower at 39%. ConclusionsFollowing ACLR, greater decreases in physical activity level are associated with poorer QOL for both adolescents and adults at short-term follow-up, and this effect is larger amongst adolescents.

Internet addiction and health-related quality of life in adolescents: The mediating role of sleep disturbance

Internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a recognized risk factor associated with impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents. However, the role of sleep disturbance in this association remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of IA with HRQOL in Chinese adolescents and to evaluate the potential mediating role of sleep disturbance. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents attending six randomly selected middle schools in Guangzhou, China. Adolescents self-reported their internet use using the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire. HRQOL and sleep disturbance were assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to assess the association between IA and HRQOL. Baron and Kenny's causal steps method was used to examine the possible mediating role of sleep disturbance. Of the 6473 adolescents included, 23.5% had maladaptive internet use (MIU) and 16.6% had pathological internet use (PIU). Compared to adolescents with adaptive internet use (AIU), those with IA had significantly lower scores across all HRQOL dimensions and summary scales. Mediation analysis revealed that sleep disturbance was a significant mediator. Specifically, sleep disturbance mediated 34.55% of the effects of MIU and 34.06% of the effects of PIU on the HRQOL total scale score , respectively. IA was associated with poorer HRQOL, indicating the needs of preventing IA in Chinese adolescents. Additionally, our findings underscored the importance of enhancing sleep quality to mitigate the adverse impact of IA on adolescents' well-being.

The Effectiveness of Physical Exercise on Level of Symptom and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea in Adolescent in Denpasar

Background: young women often experience various problems including pain during menstruation. Menstrual pain which is called dysmenorrhea is pain in the stomach or uterus, pain that occurs together with the onset of menstruation which occurs several hours to days. The incidence of primary dysmenorrhea will influence and have a major impact on the quality of life of these adolescents.&#x0D; Purpose: This study aims to prove the effectiveness of physical exercises in the form of abdominal stretching and core strengthening in reducing the degree of complaints and the quality of life of young women with primary dysmenorrhea in Denpasar&#x0D; Method: Research method with one pre-test design and post-test group design. The research was conducted at a private physiotherapist in Denpasar, Bali from September to August 2022. The sample consisted of 30 people who received physical exercises in the form of abdominal stretching and core strengthening.&#x0D; Results: The Wilcoxon Test showed different results before and after the intervention obtained a value (p &lt;0.05) which means that there was a significant difference before and after the intervention in the degree of complaints and quality of life.&#x0D; Conclusion: Physical exercise is effective on the degree of complaints and quality of life in adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea in Denpasar

Exploration of the factors influencing the quality of life among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: the data from a cross-sectional study in Shandong

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has sparked unprecedented transformations in the lives of adolescents, with reshaping their routines, social dynamics, educational experiences, and overall well-being. Our study delves into the influence of various factors on adolescents’ quality of life (QOL) among the COVID-19 pandemic in Shandong Province, China.MethodsEmploying a cross-sectional research approach combined with multivariable analysis, we scrutinize the association of demographic factors (age, gender, education level, ethnic groups, urban area, and family economic status) and health-related behaviors (sleep duration, and self-reported health status) with QOL in 9953 students.ResultsDuring the pandemic, the average QOL for adolescents in Shandong Province was 133. Our analysis revealed that sleep duration and age had statistically significant associations with total QOL, with the OR values of 1.43 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 1.83) and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.70), respectively. Notably, we observed that adolescents from economically disadvantaged families, or those with poorer self-reported health status, were more likely to report lower QOL scores.ConclusionsOverall, our study highlights the potential association of sleep duration, age, family economic status, and self-reported health with the QOL of adolescents in Shandong Province during the pandemic. During similar public health crises, policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers can actively work through resource allocation and effective intervention measures towards alleviating financial burdens, improving health conditions, and ultimately enhancing the total QOL for adolescents.

Liposomes and Other Nanocarriers for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: Improved Therapeutic Efficacy and Skin Tolerability.

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disorder that affects approximately 85% of teenagers, which significantly impacts the quality of life in adolescents. It is a chronic disease of the sebaceous follicles that is multifactorial in etiology. Topical treatment is the first choice for mild and moderate acne, while systemic therapy is reserved for severe and certain moderate cases. Topical treatments include retinoids (e.g., tretinoin and adapalene), antibiotics (e.g., clindamycine), and other agents (e.g., benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid), often applied in combination. The mechanisms of action include antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic activities, as well as sebum secretion reduction, and the normalization of follicular keratinization. However, these topical agents commonly induce side effects, such as dryness, burning, stinging, peeling, redness, erythema, and photosensitivity. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the side effects of anti-acne drugs, while maintaining or enhancing their therapeutic effectiveness. This article aims to comprehensively outline nanotechnology strategies, particularly the use of phospholipid-based nanocarriers like liposomes and related vesicles, to enhance therapeutic efficacy, skin tolerability, and patient compliance in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In addition, novel active ingredients encapsulated in vesicles beyond those recommended in official guidelines are discussed.

The Impact of Cytokines on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents with Allergic Rhinitis.

Frequent episodes of nasal symptoms are the usual clinical manifestations (CM) of allergic rhinitis (AR) and have a significant negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to test the hypothesis that cytokines in nasal mucus may be associated with HRQoL in adolescents with AR. European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-3L), "The Adolescent Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire" (AdolRQLQ) and the Total 4 Symptom Score (T4SS) scoring system were administered to 113 adolescents with AR, nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) and to healthy control subjects. Nasal secretions were sampled and tested for 13 cytokines using a multiplex flow cytometric bead assay. The AR group had significantly lower EQ-5D-3L (0.661 ± 0.267 vs. 0.943 ± 0.088; p < 0.001) and higher AdolRQLQ total scores (2.76 ± 1.01 vs. 1.02 ± 0.10; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The AR group had higher concentrations of IL-1β (p = 0.002), IL-6 (p = 0.031), IL-8 (p < 0.001), IL17-A (p = 0.013) and IL-18 (p = 0.014) compared to the control group, and IL-1β, IL-6, IL17-A and IL-18 were significantly (p < 0.050) increased with disease progression. Cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, as well as severe CM, were identified as significant predictors of lower HRQoL in adolescents with AR. This study identified IL-1β, IL-6, as well as severe CM, as predictors of lower HRQoL in adolescents with AR. However, these results should only serve as a starting point for additional confirmation research.

The Association of Quality of Life with Psychosocial Factors in Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome.

Individuals with Tourette syndrome (TS) have poorer quality of life (QoL) than their peers, yet factors contributing to poor QoL in this population remain unclear. Research to date has predominantly focused on the impact of tics and psychiatric symptoms on QoL in TS samples. The aim of this cross-sectional, multi-informant study was to identify psychosocial variables that may impact adolescent QoL in TS. Thirty-eight adolescents aged 13 to 17 with TS and 28 age-matched controls participated with a caregiver. No group differences were found on QoL, although the TS group reported reduced QoL compared to population normative data. In the TS group, reduced QoL was associated with lower self-esteem, poorer family functioning, higher stress, and greater depression and anxiety; QoL was unrelated to tic severity. In regression analyses, after adjusting for covariates, family functioning was the strongest predictor of QoL. These results emphasize the need to further explore the influence of psychosocial factors, particularly family functioning, on QoL in adolescents with TS.

Mental Health, Psychosocial Functioning, and Quality of Life in Adolescents With Hirschsprung Disease

BackgroundStudies of mental health in adolescents with Hirschsprung disease (HD) are scarce. This cross-sectional study investigates mental health, psychosocial functioning and quality of life in HD adolescents. MethodsAdolescents (12–18 years) treated at the Department of pediatric surgery at Oslo University Hospital were invited for participation. Mental health was assessed by interview; Child Assessment Schedule (CAS) and questionnaires; parental Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and adolescent Youth Self-Report (YSR). Psychosocial functioning was rated by Child Global Assessment Scale (cGAS). Adolescent Quality of Life was assessed by Pediatric Quality of Life inventory (PedsQL) and chronic family difficulties (CFD) by interview. Medical records were reviewed for somatic history. ResultsThirty-seven adolescents, 28 males, median age 14.3 years, participated. By CAS interview, 8 of 37 (44% of females and 14% of males) fulfilled criteria for psychiatric diagnosis all within emotional and related disorders. Twenty-seven percent had CBCL internalizing scores and 16% had YSR internalizing scores in clinical range indicating emotional problems. By interviewer rated cGAS, 27% were scored in clinical range. By PedsQL 16% reported reduced psychosocial health score. Increased CFD, lower psychosocial functioning and reduced QoL as well as less paternal education were significantly associated with psychiatric diagnosis. Twice as many (4/8) adolescents who either had a stoma or bowel management had a psychiatric diagnosis compared to those who had neither stoma nor bowel management (7/28). ConclusionNearly one in four adolescents with HD fulfilled criteria for psychiatric diagnosis. Mental health problems were associated with reduced psychosocial function and reduced QoL. Level of evidenceIII.

A pilot study to evaluate efficacy of brief behavioral and sleep hygiene education with mindfulness intervention on sleep duration, timing, quality, anxiety, depression and quality of life in adolescents

A pilot study to evaluate efficacy of brief behavioral and sleep hygiene education with mindfulness intervention on sleep duration, timing, quality, anxiety, depression and quality of life in adolescents

Impact of community health workers on quality of life in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease: The SHIP-HU study.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important outcome for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). It is often poor compared with other chronic medical conditions or measured as a multidomain disease-specific construct. We previously reported outcomes in the Start Healing in Patients with Hydroxyurea (SHIP-HU) randomized controlled trial in adolescents and adults with SCD at six clinical sites. Besides the primary outcomes, we also measured HRQoL as a secondary outcome. Patients in the intervention arm were each assigned community health workers (CHWs) who provided case management services. CHW services were independent of medical management, and medical managers were blinded to the study arm. Patients in the control arm received only standard of care. We hypothesized that having a CHW would improve HRQoL in patients enrolled in SHIP-HU. We did not find significant differences between domains of HRQoL in the two study arms. Possible explanations include selection bias of enrolled versus unenrolled patients, selection bias of sites, medical providers and medical management, enforced blinding, and a lack of cooperation between medical managers and CHWs. The importance of CHWs and HRQoL is nonetheless recognized based on the literature. Future interventions on HRQoL in SCD should consider alternative study designs and multimodal interventions.

A Comparative Study between Mono Antiepileptic Therapy and Poly Antiepileptic Therapy regarding Quality of Life in Adolescents with Epilepsy

A Comparative Study between Mono Antiepileptic Therapy and Poly Antiepileptic Therapy regarding Quality of Life in Adolescents with Epilepsy

Impact of Toxic Substance Use on Quality of Life in Adolescents

Introduction: Drug is any chemical substance capable of interacting with a living organism and, from the medical point of view, used for the treatment, prevention, cure or diagnosis of diseases. Objective: To characterize the consumption of toxic substances in adolescents of the "Arístides Viera González" Preuniversity Institute. Methods: A descriptive-transversal observational study was carried out. The universe consisted of 187 students belonging to the "Arístides Viera González" Preuniversity Institute, in the period January-December 2021. Results: Female sex predominated (55.08%), being 16 years old the most frequent age (42.9%). In terms of toxic habits, consumers of other toxic substances such as cola predominate (53.47%). 64.17% of students refer that at school they are educated about the damage caused by toxic habits and 42.78% of students agree that the family constantly talks to them about the benefits of leading a healthy life and that if there can be fun without toxic habits. Conclusions: One of the major public health problems is the consumption of toxic substances. There was a predominance of female students and of students who consume other toxic substances such as cola. Most of the students state that they are educated at school about the harm caused by toxic substances and that the family exerts great influence on them to lead a healthy life. There is a predominance of students who believe that there can be no fun without substances.