Consumo de álcool, tabaco e outras drogas entre adolescentes do ensino fundamental de um município brasileiro

• Published in: Referência (Coimbra) Vol. serIV; no. 2; pp. 51 - 60
• Main Authors: Rodrigo Eurípedes daSilveira, Álvaro daSilva Santos, Gilberto deAraújo Pereira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Coimbra Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra 01-06-2014; Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra - Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde - Enfermagem
• Subjects: NURSING; illicit drugs; bebidas alcohólicas; smoking habit; hábito de fumar; bebidas alcoólicas; adolescente; adolescent; drogas ilícitas; alcoholic beverages
• ISSN: 0874-0283; 2182-2883
• DOI: 10.12707/RIII12112

Background: Drug use among adolescents is an urgent public health concern worldwide. Objectives: To assess the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among 7th and 8th graders of a municipal school in Uberaba, Brazil. Methodology: Cross-sectional exploratory study. Sample of 189 students. Semi-structured and self-administered questionnaire. Results: Most students were boys (52.9%), with a mean age of 14.3±1.1 years and a household income between 1 and 3 minimum wages (88.9%). Alcohol consumption was significantly higher among approved students (84.2%; p<0.0001) and among those with incomes above three minimum wages (100%; p<0.0001). Tobacco consumption was associated with the 7th grade (79.5%; p=0.0004) and incomes inferior to one minimum wage (67.5%; p< 0.0001). There was a significant predominance of illicit drug use only among students with incomes above three minimum wages (66.7%; p=0.0176). Conclusion: This study points out the need for health education interventions related to alcohol and drugs among adolescents, as well as a better and more effective continuous training of their teachers.