Citation

Villatoro Velázquez JA, Meléndez MAM, López MM, Robles NO, Ito DF, Gamiño MB, Bautista CF, Salazar RM, Brambila MAL, Icaza MEMM. Salud Ment. (Mex) 2014; 37(5): 423-435.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Instituto Mexicano de Psiquiatria)

DOI

10.17711/sm.0185-3325.2014.050

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Introduction Epidemiological studies in our country show increases in the consumption of illegal drugs and alcohol. The age of onset has decreased, especially regarding alcohol use. Meanwhile, consumption of inhalants has increased significantly, especially among young women. There are several factors associated with drug use, but the development of resistance strategies, along with its underlying social skills and parenting styles, stand out in a significant way.

METHOD Data comes from a probabilistic survey carried out in November 2012, with students from 7th to 12th school grades, in Mexico City, which was representative for each of its districts. The sample was 26 503 students. Information was obtained through a questionnaire standardized and validated in previous surveys.

RESULTS Tobacco consumption decreased significantly (44.3[%] to 41.0[%]); 32.9[%] of the adolescents began its use before age 13. Lifetime consumption of alcohol was 68.2[%], while the average age of onset of cannabis use remained at 12.6 years. Lifetime prevalence of any drug use increased from 21.5[%] to 24.4[%]. Marijuana was the first drug of choice among students (15.9[%]). Increases were also found in sexual abuse rate, while suicide attempt decreased.

DISCUSSION Although inhalants use remained stable and tobacco use decreased significantly, results show the continued growth of drug use. Given this context, concentrating more efforts in prevention with studies and evaluated interventions for pre-school and elementary school students, as well as for parents and teachers, is a preponderant task.

Language: en