[The use and attitudes of adolescents toward addictive substances: a prevalence study].

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to know the use of addictive substances by adolescents of the city of Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were obtained from an anonymous and self-administered questionnaire about tobacco use, alcohol use and non-institutionalized drug abuse. participants were students in 3 degrees BUP (16-17 years old) of twelve institutes that are representative of the different districts of the city. The survey was made during the 1991-1992 school year.

RESULTS

Among the 426 individuals included, 32.2% reported use of tobacco, 59.2% alcohol, and 16.4% marijuana. Tobacco use was higher among females (p = 0.05), and that of alcohol (p < 0.0001) and other drugs (p = 0.02) higher among males. The parents' smoking behavior was significantly associated with the use of non-institutionalized drugs (p = 0.01). There was a positive and significant association among the use of all three kinds of addictive substances (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of tobacco, alcohol and non-institutionalized drug use by students in this age range is high. Compared with previous studies in this population we can appreciate a decreasing trend of use.