Consumo de alcohol, tabaco, cannabis y otras sustancias psicoactivas en estudiantes de la Universidad de Málaga

Abstract

Objectives

To find out the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among students in Malaga University, and their consumption patterns, accessibility and risk awareness associated with their use in order to obtain information to design interventions for prevention and behavioural changes.

Material and methods

An anonymous self-administered questionnaire were used in a representative sample of students population (n = 1,121, period 2007–2009).

Results

The substances most consumed in the last month were alcohol (64.6%) and cannabis (9%), with a prevalence of consumption for all the substances under the average in the population of reference, except for alcohol that remains equal. The consumption of daily smoked tobacco (11.2%) is lower than that of the general population, although similar to other universities. Student perceive low risk associated with alcohol consumption (23–24.5%) as well as sporadic consumption of cannabis (20.6%) which is consider the most accessible illicit drug. Most substances show a recreational use and are usually consumed in groups. There are not gender differences in risk awareness for any of the substances, although the consumption patterns for the majority of substances depend on the gender.

Conclusions

Prevalence of both alcohol and cannabis consumption as well as risk awareness associated with psychoactive substance use, and other findings from this study could address the development of interventions for prevention, behavioural changes and the design of new studies in this group.