DRUG USE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG RURAL ADOLESCENTS IN COSTA RICA

Abstract

The objectives of this study, carried out in 1995, were to assess both licit and illicit substance use among rural male and female Costa Rican adolescents, and associated health, psychological, and psychosocial problems. A sample of 304 students from rural schools was randomly selected. The mean age for females was 14.7 years (S.D. = 1.71), and for males was 14.4 years (S.D. = 1.62). The data were collected using the Latin-American version of Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI). Results showed a high prevalence of past-year alcohol use for both males and females (56.6% and 47.4%, respectively), and a lower prevalence of past-year tobacco use (44.0% and 7.7%). There results also showed a low level of use of solvent inhalants and benzodiazepines. In terms of illicit drugs, males preferred cocaine and marijuana, while females only reported amphetamine use. An analysis of adolescent functioning showed differences among alcohol users and nonusers in behavior patterns and peer relationships. However, no significant differences were found regarding rebellion, depression, and social isolation. The implications of these results are discussed, along with the importance of enhancing prevention, as well as early detection and intervention. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]

• Adolescents
• Rural
• Substance use

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Luis Sandi

Luis Sandi, M.D., M.P.H., is a clinician and research scientist at the Instituto Nacional sobre Alcoholismo y Farmacodependencia in Costa Rica. He is currently working with adolescents-at-risk, addressing substance-use-related problems, depression, and validation of international instruments in the field of drug “abuse.” Dr. Sandí has also done collaborative research with the Center for Education and Research at the University of Pittsburgh, with the Instituto del Niño at the Universidad Nacional, and with the World Health Organization programs related to drug “abuse” surveillance and standards of care in treatment services. His interest has been the adolescent population, mainly those at-risk, as well as the evaluation of prevention and treatment programs.

Alicia Diaz

Alicia Diaz, Ph.D., is a teacher and a research scientist at the Centro de Investigación y Docencia en Educación (CIDE) at Universidad Nacional in Costa Rica. She is currently working in a collaborative project Holanda-Costa Rica in Costa Rican rural areas, which is an action research oriented study. Dr. Díaz also teaches research methods for both graduate and undergraduate students. She has also done collaborative research with scientists from the Instituto sobre Alcoholismo y Farmacodependencia, Costa Rica, and Center for Education and Research on Drug Abuse at University of Pittsburgh. Her main interest are rural adolescents, at-risk adolescents, depression and drug “abuse” in children and adolescents, teacher support, and teacher training.

Federico Uglade

Federico Uglade, M.S., is the statistician scientist of the research department at the National Institute of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in Costa Rica. He participated in the national study on drug “abuse” done in 1995 and in the projects on drug “abuse” surveillance in hospitals and prisons. The focus of his work has been the epidemiology of drug “abuse” in adolescents and in the general population. He also supports the research work done in other departments of the Institute and collaborates with drug “abuse” research at the University of Costa Rica.