Consumption of psychoactive substances in adolescents in the commune of Sancán

Abstract

In risk contexts, such as dysfunctional families or communities with low educational resources, the probability of consumption increases. The study aimed to analyze the consumption of psychoactive substances in adolescents from the Sancán commune, with the hypothesis that 35% of them consumed these substances. A cross-sectional observational design was used to measure the variables in a population of 437 adolescents out of a total of 2,300 inhabitants, according to data from the development plan of the Jipijapa canton. The results showed that, although the toxicological tests were negative, risk factors associated with the social environment and family history were identified. Adolescents in vulnerable social situations or with family members who consume drugs presented higher indicators of potential risk. In conclusion, the study did not show recent consumption of psychoactive substances in adolescents through toxicological tests. However, she highlighted risk factors linked to demographic, family and social characteristics, which underlines the need to implement preventive strategies focused on the most vulnerable environments. These strategies should promote protective habits and reduce the risk of consumption, especially in young populations with greater exposure to vulnerability factors. The findings reinforce the importance of addressing the issue from a comprehensive and preventive perspective.