Drug use, family support and related factors in university students. A cross-sectional study based on the uniHcos Project data

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of illegal drug use in college students on any previous occasion, during the previous year and the previous month, and to analyze the relationship between illegal drug use and family support and other factors. Results: Differences between men and women in prevalence of illegal drug use except non-prescription sedatives were observed. In both genders, less family support was associated with higher consumption of all drugs, except depressants, and with polyconsumption. To be studying and looking for work was related to cannabis and stimulant use and to polyconsumption among women, but only to cannabis use among men. Conclusions: These results support the notion that the start of university studies is a particularly relevant stage in the onset of illegal drug use and its prevention, and that consumption may be especially associated with family support.

Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia del consumo de drogas ilegales en estudiantes universitarios y analizar la relación entre dicho consumo, el apoyo familiar y otros factores. Resultados: Se observaron diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en la prevalencia del consumo de todas las drogas ilegales, excepto tranquilizantes sin receta. En ambos sexos, cuanto peor apoyo familiar, mayor consumo de todas las drogas, excepto depresores y policonsumo. Encontrarse estudiando y buscando trabajo se relacionó con el consumo de cannabis, estimulantes y policonsumo en las mujeres, y solo con cannabis en los hombres. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio aportan nueva evidencia a favor de que el inicio de la etapa universitaria es un momento de especial relevancia en el inicio del consumo de drogas ilegales y su prevención, pudiendo este consumo estar especialmente relacionado con el apoyo familiar.