Conducta suicida, consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y calidad de vida en adolescentes chilenos / Suicidal behavior, psychoactive substances use and quality of life in chilean adolescents

BACKGROUND: Suicidal behavior is a public health problem, and adolescents are one of the main risk groups. Aim: To analyze the association among suicidal behavior, consumption of psychoactive substances, and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in adolescents attending schools in Valparaiso, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five hundred-fifty adolescents enrolled in a public school participated in the study. HRQoL was evaluated through KIDSCREEN-27, while suicidal behavior and the consumption of psychoactive substances were measured with the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). RESULTS: The prevalence of suicidal behavior was higher in women and in those who used tobacco or marijuana in the last month. Respondents with a bad perception of physical well-being reported a higher frequency of suicidal ideation than those with a good perception (Odds ratio (OR): 2.24; 95% confidence: 1.49-3.36). Likewise the frequency of suicidal ideation was higher in those with a bad perception of psychological well-being (OR: 3.87; 95%CI: 2.09-7.71), and a bad perception of autonomy and relation with parents (OR:2.46; 95%CI: 1.34-4.54). Suicide planning was also associated with dimensions of autonomy and relation with parents (OR: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.23-4.38) and dimensions of friends and social support (OR: 1.86; 95%CI:1.05-3.28). Suicide attempt was associated with the dimensions of friendship and social support (OR: 1.83; 95%CI: 1.02-3.28) and school environment (OR: 1,92; 95%CI: 1,23-3,01). Conclusions: Suicide ideation is associated with worse physical and psychological well-being. Suicide planning and suicide attempt is associated with a worse perception about the relation with parents or friends, social support, and school environment.

Precocidad de inicio del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y su relación con otros comportamientos de riesgo para la salud en adolescentes chilenos / Association between early onset of psychoactive drug use and health risk behaviors in chilean adolescents

BACKGROUND: Adolescents are more prone to develop health risk behaviors. Among these, early consumption of psychoactive drugs is relevant. AIM: To assess the association between early consumption of illicit drugs, tobacco and alcohol, suicide behaviors, risky sexual behaviors, eating habits and physical activity in school age adolescents from Valparaiso, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The online world survey of scholar health to identify the health risk behaviors was answered by 550 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years, from a public educational institution at Valparaiso, Chile. Results: Early consumption of alcohol, smoking and illicit drug use was reported by 59, 57 and 44% of respondents, respectively. The frequency of psychoactive drug consumption during the last month, risky sexual behaviors and missing breakfast was higher among those with an early onset of alcohol and illicit drug consumption and smoking. The frequency of suicidal risk behaviors and low consumption of fruits and vegetables was higher among those with an early onset of illicit drug use and smoking. A low physical activity level was associated with early smoking onset. Health risk behaviors were associated with early onset of alcohol and illicit drug consumption and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Early onset of alcohol and illicit drug consumption and smoking is associated with health risk behaviors in Chilean adolescents.

Hábitos alimentarios, obesidad y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adolescentes chilenos / Association between eating habits and health related quality of life among school age adolescents

Background: Adolescence is considered a nutritionally vulnerable period of life, since their eating habits are influenced by factors that can promote the consumption of non-nutritious food. Aim: To analyze the relation between eating habits, obesity, and the perception of Health-Related Quality of Life in school-aged adolescents. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 550 adolescents aged 16 ± 1 years (60% women) attending a public education institution in Valparaíso, Chile. The Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) for eating habits and the KIDSCREEN-27 survey for health-related quality of life were self-administered online. The answers were anonymous. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the variables, which was adjusted for age and sex. Results: Ten percent of men and 6% of women were obese. Those with an inadequate consumption of fruits had a worst perception of their physical well-being, autonomy and relationship with their parents. Psychological well-being and school environment were perceived worst among those that did not consume breakfast. Obese respondents also reported a poorest physical health. Conclusions: Inadequate eating habits and obesity have a negative effect of health-related quality of life among adolescents.

Uso de sustancias psicoactivas y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adolescentes escolarizados / Psychoactive substances use and health-related quality of life among school age adolescents

Background The use of psychoactive substances among adolescents is a major social and public health concern. Aim To analyze association of substance abuse and multiple drug use with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents attending a high school in Valparaiso, Chile. Material and Methods Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of adolescents attending high school. HRQOL was assessed using KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire and substance use was measured using the Global school-based student health survey. Participants had to complete online, self-administered, anonymous questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate Odd ratios. Results A total of 550 adolescents aged 16 ± 1 years old completed the questionnaires. Thirty nine percent consumed alcohol during the last month, 31% smoked, 33% used marijuana and 33% admitted the use of multiple drugs. High-risk alcohol consumption was associated with a lower perception of psychological well-being, self-perception and school environment. This last dimension was affected in those who admitted marijuana use during the last month. Multiple drug use (three substances) was associated with a lower perception of physical and psychological well-being, self-perception, relationship with parents, family life and school environment. Conclusions High-risk alcohol consumption and multiple drug use (three substances) have a negative impact on the HRQOL of school age adolescents.