Consumption of psychoactive substances in the Peruvian population during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychoactive substance use in Peruvian population during the pandemic. Method: The research was a quantitative de- scriptive, non-experimental cross-sectional design. The sam- ple consisted of 1932 subjects of both sexes, aged between 18 and 65 years. For the collection of information, a survey was elaborated with questions related to the consumption of psychoactive substances, work and family information during the pandemic. Results: In the results it was found that people who telework consume more alcohol, tobacco, energizers, tranquilizers and marijuana;those who work remotely have a higher consumption of tranquilizers. Alcohol is the most con- sumed legal drug, followed by tobacco and marijuana. Sub- stance use decreased during the quarantine period. People who consume alcohol presented higher percentages of con- tagion and loss of a family member. They also consider that they have support from their family or friends to cope with a COVID-19 contagion. Conclusions: It is concluded that in the Peruvian population the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana prevails, there is a decrease in the consumption of psychoactive substances;however, consumption contin- ues despite the restrictions established but the Peruvian state and the risks produced by consumption.