Descriptive analysis and factors associated with consumption behaviours among Portuguese adolescents

Introduction

cocaine and ecstasy use represent a growing public health concern, given their adverse impacts on health. Among 16-year-old adolescents, the risks are especially pronounced resulting in cognitive impairments, attention and memory deficits, and potential compromise their educational and social outcomes. This study aims to identify demographic, socio-economical, familial, and peer-related factors associated with the consumption of these substances among portuguese students aged 16 years old.

Methods

an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study with an analytical component was conducted using data from the 2019 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD). Independent variables included demographic, socioeconomic, family relationships, and peer relationships, while dependent variables were cocaine and ecstasy use in the last 12 months. Associations between variables were assessed using pearson’s chi-square test, followed by multiple logistic regression to identify the most significant risk factors. IBM® SPSS® statistics version 28 was used to perform the statistical analysis plan.

Results

lack of parental control significantly increased the risk of cocaine use (aOR=2.540; 95% CI: 1.425–4.527; p = 0.002) and ecstasy use (aOR=2.273; 95% CI: 1.422–3.634; p < 0.001). Absence of family support significantly increased the risk of cocaine use (aOR=2.082; 95% CI: 1.121–3.866; p = 0.020) and ecstasy use (aOR=2.168; 95% CI: 1.410–3.333; p < 0.001). Ease of obtaining money significantly increased the risk of cocaine use (aOR=1.975; 95% CI: 1.092–3.572; p = 0.024).

Conclusions

socio-economical and familial factors play a determining role in consumption behaviours among adolescents. Our results reinforce the importance of creating preventive social and health policies, as well as implementing public health interventions, in order to identify and act on individuals and communities at risk, promoting health and preventing disease.

Key messages

• Wiht this study, we were able to conclude that socio-economical and familial factors play a determining role in consumption behaviours among adolescents.

• Our results reinforce the importance of creating preventive public health policies, in order to act on adolescents who are at risk, preventing drug use and promoting mental health.