Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Evolution of Prevalence and Patterns of Cannabis Use among First-Year University Students in Spain-UniHcos Project.

Among university students there has been evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic increased their psychological distress, exacerbated by social restrictions. The main objective of this study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and patterns of cannabis use among university students, in contrast to previous trends since 2012. Data from 10,522 first-year university students (73.3% female, Mage 19 (SD = 1.6)) from eleven Spanish universities collected between 2012 and May 2022 was analysed. Prevalences of cannabis use and their differences by sex were studied, as well as changes in patterns of use and its use for coping during the pandemic. It was found that during lockdown, all prevalence rates of cannabis use decreased in both sexes, showing no statistically significant differences and increasing again in the new normal period in both. Among regular cannabis users, 79.7% reported maintaining or increasing their cannabis use during the pandemic, and of these, half reported using cannabis to cope. Moreover, cannabis use in the usual household increased during the lockdown. These results show that although the overall prevalence of cannabis use was reduced during the lockdown, regular users tended to maintain or increase cannabis use. This could imply two different patterns of use among students, one social and occasional versus the other regular, providing new lines of research for prevention and the implementation of social policies.

Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Use of Health Services in Spanish University Students: UniHcos Project.

The aim of the study was to examine the association of alcohol consumption patterns (hazardous alcohol use and binge drinking) and the use of emergency services and primary care consultations in university students. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at eleven Spanish universities collaborating within the uniHcos Project. University students completed an online questionnaire that assessed hazardous alcohol use and binge drinking using the AUDIT questionnaire and evaluated the use of emergency services and primary care. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed, as well as the chi-squared test and Student's t-test and nonconditional logistic regression models to examine this association. Results: There were 10,167 participants who completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of hazardous alcohol use was 16.9% (95% CI: 16.2−17.6), while the prevalence of binge drinking was 48.8% (95% CI: 47.9−49.8). There were significant differences in the use of emergency services in those surveyed with hazardous alcohol use (p < 0.001) or binge drinking pattern (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in terms of attendance during primary care visits in individuals with hazardous alcohol use (p = 0.367) or binge drinking pattern (p = 0.755). The current study shows the association between university students with a pattern of hazardous alcohol use or binge drinking and greater use of emergency services. However, no significant association was observed between the said consumption patterns and the use of primary care services.

[Declared experiences of risky sexual behaviors in relation to alcohol consumption in the first year of college.] / Experiencias declaradas de conductas sexuales de riesgo en relación con el consumo de alcohol en el primer año de universidad.

OBJECTIVE: In college students, higher risk alcohol consumption (drunkenness and binge drinking-BD) has negative consequences on their development and and probably facilitates risk sexual behaviors. The objective was to study if risky sexual behaviors when consuming alcohol (RSBA) are associated with higher risk consumption. METHODS: Cross-sectional multicenter study with UniHcos Project, 1st year university students from 11 universities in Spain, academic years 2011-2012 to 2017-2018 data. This data were collected by self-administered questionnaire. A uni and bivariate analysis was performed, evaluated the statistical significance of the differences in prevalence with chi-square. Mean and standard deviation were used for quantitative variables and Student's t test statistic was used. RESULTS: 9,862 subjects (72.2% women). 90.3% reported having consumed alcohol and 60.9% had drunk the last year, 49% BD in last month. It was deteded in men, significantly higher consumption in the last month and drunkenness. Last month consumption and drunkenness were significantly higher in men and in <21 years. The RSBA were significantly higher among who were drunk (15.7% unprotected sex, 1.9% sexual abuse and 0.7% taking sexual advantage) and had BD (17.1%, 1.9% and 0.7 %). Women with both risk consumptions had more sexual abuse (2.2%), and men had greater behaviors of taking sexual advantage of someone (drunk: 1.2%; BD: 1.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption was above similar groups. BD consumption was similar by gender and age. Risk sexual behaviors appear mainly in problematic consumption. Gender differences are not detected in alcohol consumers in unprotected sex but deteded in the rest.

OBJETIVO: En universitarios, el consumo de alcohol de mayor riesgo (borracheras y binge drinking (BD), tiene consecuencias negativas sobre su desarrollo y probablemente facilita conductas sexuales de riesgo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar si las conductas sexuales de riesgo al consumir alcohol (CSRA) se asocian a los consumos de mayor riesgo. METODOS: Estudio multicéntrico transversal con datos del Proyecto uniHcos, de universitarios de 1er año de 11 universidades españolas, entre los cursos 2011-2012 y 2017-2018. Datos recogidos mediante cuestionario autoadministrado. Se realizó un análisis uni y bivariable, evaluando la significación estadística de las diferencias de prevalencia con chi-cuadrado. Se utilizó media y desviación típica para variables cuantitativas y como estadístico de contraste t de Student. RESULTADOS: 9.862 participantes (72,2% mujeres). El 90,3% consumió alcohol y el 60,9% tuvo borracheras en último año; el 49% tuvo BD en el último mes. El consumo en el último mes y las borracheras fueron mayores en hombres y <21 años. Las CSRA fueron superiores entre los que se emborracharon (15,7% sexo sin protección, 1,9% abuso sexual y 0,7% aprovecharse sexualmente) y consumieron en BD (17,1%, 1,9% y 0,7%). Las mujeres con ambos consumos de riesgo presentaron más abusos sexuales (2,2%), y los hombres fueron quienes más se aprovecharon sexualmente de otros (borracheras:1,2%; BD: 1,3%). CONCLUSIONES: El consumo de alcohol está por encima de grupos similares. El BD tiene un patrón similar por género y edad. Las CSRA se asocian a los consumos de mayor riesgo, no detectándose en este grupo diferencias por género en sexo sin protección, sí en otras CSRA.

Initial results of the preventive Ícaro- Alcohol Programme.

Harmful alcohol consumption among young people is a public health problem that needs important measures. Interventions in emergency department cases, such as crisis action, could be effective. The initial results of the Icaro-Alcohol Program (detection of young people under 22 years attended in the emergency department for alcohol consumption, a Brief Motivational Intervention (BMI) and referral to a prevention reference service (PRS) and prevention programs) are presented. The program objective is to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Río Hortega University Hospital (HURH), Clínico Hospital (HCUV) and Medical Emergency Units (MEUs) were involved in the study developed in the city of Valladolid (Castilla y León, Spain). Training in program implementation was given to 53.8% of professionals (n=27) (73.3% HURH vs 45.6% HCUV), while 17.4% (n=41) were trained to develop BMI in the critical situation derived from the emergency (26.7% HURH vs 12.6% HCUV). A total of 93 cases were treated by the hospital emergency services, and all the cases treated by the MEUs were referred to the hospital, between June and December 2017. There were 49 urgent cases, and interventions were carried out in 21 of them (43%). Afterwards, 8 cases were referred to the PRS (38% of 21 intervened; 16% of the total number of cases). Interventions and referrals were greater in the hospital with more trained professionals. The older youth cases arrived last at night. They had other health problems associated and were less likely to agree to referral. The referral times to indicated prevention programs were met, but not to universal and selective programs. The action protocol is improved by focusing on children under 18, simplifying consent, improving BMI training, simplifying the intervention of professionals and carrying out individual preventive intervention from the PRSs immediately. The program will be implemented progressively in the rest of the provinces in Castilla y León.

Resultados iniciales del Programa de prevención Ícaro-Alcohol / Initial results of the preventive Ícaro-Alcohol Programme

El consumo nocivo de alcohol en los jóvenes es un problema de salud pública sobre el que es necesario actuar. La intervención sobre los casos que acuden a urgencias es una actuación en crisis que puede ser efectiva. Se presentan los resultados iniciales del Programa Ícaro-Alcohol (detección de menores de 22 años atendidos en Urgencias/Emergencias por consumo de alcohol, Intervención Motivacional Breve (IMB) y derivación al Servicio de Referencia de Prevención (SRP) y a los programas preventivos, para reducir este consumo. Participaron los Hospitales Universitarios Río Hortega (HURH) y Clínico (HCUV) y Unidades Medicalizadas de Emergencias (UME) de Valladolid capital. El 53,8% (n = 27) de los profesionales recibieron formación sobre el programa (73,3% HURH vs 45,6% HCU) y el 17,4% (n = 41) entrena-miento en IMB para realizarla in situ, aprovechando la situación "de crisis" derivada de la urgencia (26,7% HURH vs 12,6% HCUV).Entre junio y diciembre de 2017 se atendieron 93 urgencias relacionadas con alcohol, las UME derivaron todas a los hospitales; 49 cumplían el criterio de caso, se intervino en 21 (43%) y se derivaron 8 casos al SRP (38% de los que se intervino, 16% del total de casos). La intervenciones y derivaciones fueron mayores en el hospital con mayor participación en la formación. Los casos de mayor edad acudían a horas más tardías, presentaron problemática asociada y accedieron menos a la derivación. Los tiempos de derivación a prevención indicada se cumplieron, pero no a los programas universales y selectivos Se mejora el protocolo de actuación centrándose en los menores 18 años, simplificando el consentimiento, mejorando la formación en IMB simplificando la intervención de los profesionales y realizando la intervención preventiva individual desde los SRP de forma inmediata. El programa se implantará progresivamente en el resto de provincias de Castilla y León

Harmful alcohol consumption among young people is a public health problem that needs important measures. Interventions in emergency department cases, such as crisis action, could be effective. The initial results of the Icaro-Al-cohol Program (detection of young people under 22 years attended in the emergency department for alcohol consumption, a Brief Motivational Intervention (BMI) and referral to a prevention reference service (PRS) and prevention programs) are presented. The program objective is to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Río Hortega University Hospital (HURH), Clínico Hospital (HCUV) and Medical Emergency Units (MEUs) were involved in the study developed in the city of Valladolid (Castilla y León, Spain). Training in program implementation was given to 53.8% of professionals (n = 27) (73.3% HURH vs 45.6% HCUV), while 17.4% (n = 41) were trained to develop BMI in the critical situation derived from the emergency (26.7% HURH vs 12.6% HCUV). A total of 93 cases were treated by the hospital emer-gency services, and all the cases treated by the MEUs were referred to the hospital, between June and December 2017. There were 49 urgent cases, and interventions were carried out in 21 of them (43%). Afterwards, 8 cases were referred to the PRS (38% of 21 intervened; 16% of the total number of cases). Interventions and referrals were greater in the hospital with more trained professionals. The older youth cases arrived last at night. They had other health problems associated and were less likely to agree to referral. The refer-ral times to indicated prevention programs were met, but not to universal and selective programs.The action protocol is improved by focusing on children under 18, simplifying consent, improving BMI training, sim-plifying the intervention of professionals and carrying out individual preventive intervention from the PRSs immediately. The program will be implemented progressively in the rest of the provinces in Castilla y León

Factors Associated with Meat Consumption in Students of Spanish Universities: UniHcos Project.

The level of meat consumption is one of the main deviations from the Mediterranean diet pattern in Spanish university students. The objective of this cross-sectional descriptive study is to analyze the association between sociodemographic factors and the consumption of fresh and processed meat in Spanish university students. This study is part of a cohort of 11 Spanish universities with 9862 university students (UniHcos Project). A descriptive analysis and a chi2 test were carried out to assess differences between personal and sociodemographic variables and meat consumption, and binary logistic regression analysis to assess factors associated with consumption; 19.9% and 73.5% met the recommendations for meat-fresh and meat-processed consumption, respectively. Only 3.8% of students meet the recommendations for both fresh and processed meat. Statistically significant differences were found between sex, BMI, employment, housing, and coexistence regarding compliance with recommendations. Female employed students living in rental accommodations with a partner are more likely to meet the recommendations for fresh meats while male, normal weight, employed students living in rental accommodations with a partner are more likely to meet the recommendations for processed meats. There is a lack of compliance with the recommendations for consumption of fresh meat in Spanish university students, differences in compliance among students of differing regions and an association with sex, employment, housing, and coexistence regarding compliance.

[Hospital Emergencies Associated with the Consumption of Hypnotics and Sedatives, 2009-2013,Castilla y León, Spain]. / Urgencias hospitalarias asociadas al consumo de hipnóticos y sedantes, Castilla y León, 2009-2013.

OBJECTIVE: Household Survey on Alcohol and Other Drugs shows the progressive increase in the consumption of hypnotics, alone or in combination with other substances. The aim of the research was to obtain information about the consumption of hypnotics and sedatives in population of Castilla y León treated in emergency medical services of four monitored hospitals between 2009-2013, describing clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the emergencies and what drugs were consumed, to provide information for future interventions. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done by analyzing 3,089 emergencies related to consumption of hypnotics and sedatives, obtained from Emergency Indicator related to the use of psychoactive substances of the National Observatory on Drugs. There were used χ2 test for comparing proportions and t Student test for means. RESULTS: The total number of emergencies was 3,089, ranging in years of study. In 1,814 cases they were consumed only hypnosedatives; 64.7% women and average age of 41 years. The most frequent diagnosis was overdose/attempted suicide with benzodiazepines (29.3%), being lorazepam the most consumed. In 23.3% of cases it was consumed more than one hypnosedative and 9% was associated with psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The number of emergencies related to the consumption of at least one hypnosedative in the monitored hospitals in the period studied presented high levels especially in middle-aged women with no psychiatric disorder to justify their use. Benzodiazepines were the most consumed hypnotics, cause of overdose/attempted suicide episodes.

Opiniones de los y las profesionales de Atención Primaria sobre el consumo de alcohol en mujeres. Barreras percibidas para la intervención / Opinions of primary care professionals about alcohol consumption in women. Perceived barriers for intervention

Objetivo: conocer la opinión de los y las profesionales de Atención Primaria (AP) acerca del consumo de alcohol, especialmente entre las mujeres, analizar las dificultades encontradas e identificar áreas de mejora. Materiales y método: Se ha realizado una investigación cualitativa, entre el personal de AP de Salamanca. Fueron seleccionados profesionales (enfermería, medicina, pediatría, trabajo social y matronas) con más de dos años de experiencia en AP. Se desarrollaron 14 entrevistas y 4 grupos de discusión, cuyas grabaciones fueron transcritas obteniendo el texto base del análisis discursivo. Resultados: Los y las profesionales de AP reconocen una especial dificultad para detectar e intervenir frente a consumos de riesgo de alcohol y especialmente en el caso de las mujeres. Entre los factores contribuyentes se identifican, prejuicios y estereotipos de género, el temor a invadir la intimidad del paciente, la sobrecarga y organización del trabajo, y otros relacionados con las habilidades para realizar la detección y la intervención breve. Discusión: Se precisan actuaciones sensibilizadoras y formativas con perspectiva de género que faciliten al personal sanitario el abordaje de situaciones de consumo de riesgo de alcohol, sistematizar el consejo preventivo y orientarlo a la salud de las propias mujeres. También se perciben carencias en la coordinación de los recursos disponibles tanto preventivos como asistenciales

Objective: to find out the opinion of Primary Care (PC) professionals on alcohol consumption, particularly among women; to analyze the difficulties that are found in the process; and to identify areas which can be improved. Materials and method: A qualitative study was conducted among Salamanca PC professionals. Different professionals (from the fields of nursery, medicine, pediatrics, social work and midwifery) with more than two years of experience in PC were selected. In total, 14 interviews and 4 group discussion sessions were carried out, and the recordings were transcribed to obtain the text for discourse analysis. Results: PC professionals recognize that it is particularly difficult to detect and intervene in cases of risky consumption of alcohol, and especially in the case of women. Among the contributing factors, the following were mentioned: prejudices and gender stereotypes, fear of invading patients’ privacy, work overload, structure of work load, and other aspects related to the abilities to carry out detection and brief intervention. Discussion: A set of training and awareness-raising activities with a gender perspective is required in order to facilitate the management of situations of risky alcohol consumption for healthcare professionals, as well as to systematize preventive advice and orient it towards women’s health. Deficiencies were also observed in the coordination of available resources, both preventive and healthcare-related

Urgencias hospitalarias asociadas al consumo de hipnoticos y sedantes, Castilla y León, 2009-2013 / Hospital Emergencies associated with the consumption of hypnotics and sedatives, Castilla y León, 2009-2013

Fundamentos: La Encuesta Domiciliaria sobre Alcohol y otras Drogas muestra el progresivo aumento del consumo de hipnosedantes, solos o en combinación con otras sustancias. El objetivo de la investigación fue obtener datos sobre el consumo de fármacos hipnosedantes en la población castellano-leonesa atendida de urgencia en cuatro hospitales monitorizados entre 2009-2013, describiendo sus características clínico-epidemiológicas y los fármacos consumidos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal mediante el análisis de 3.089 urgencias hospitalarias relacionadas con consumo de hipnose dantes obtenidas del Indicador de Urgencias relacionadas con el consumo de ustancias psicoactivas del Observatorio Nacional sobre Drogas. Se utilizó el test χ2 para comparación de proporciones y la prueba t de Student para medias. Resultados: La cifra total de urgencias fue de 3.089. En 1.814 casos solo se consumieron hipnosedantes. El 64,7% fueron mujeres y la edad media fue de 41 años. El diagnóstico más frecuente fue sobredosis/intento autolítico con benzodiacepinas (29,3%), siendo lorazepam la más consumida. En 23,3% de los casos se consumió más de un hipnosedante y el 9% se asoció a trastornos psiquiátricos. Conclusiones: El número de urgencias hospitalarias por consumo de al menos un hipnosedante en los hospitales y tiempo monitorizados presentó cifras elevadas, especialmente en mujeres de mediana edad. Las benzodiacepinas fueron los hipnosedantes más consumidos (AU)

Background: Household Survey on Alcohol and Other Drugs shows the progressive increase in the consumption of hypnotics, alone or in combination with other substances. The aim of the research was to obtain information about the consumption of hypnotics and sedatives in population of Castilla y León treated in emergency medical services of four monitored hospitals between 2009-2013, describing clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the emergencies and what drugs were consumed, to provide information for future interventions. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done by analyzing 3,089 emergencies related to consumption of hypnotics and sedatives, obtained from Emergency Indicator related to the use of psychoactive substances of the National Observatory on Drugs. There were used χ2 test for comparing proportions and t Student test for means. Results: The total number of emergencies was 3,089, ranging in years of study. In 1,814 cases they were consumed only hypnosedatives; 64.7% women and average age of 41 years. The most frequent diagnosis was over-dose/attempted suicide with benzodiazepines (29.3%), being lorazepam the most consumed. In 23.3% of cases it was consumed more than one hypnose-dative and 9% was associated with psychiatric disorders. Conclusions: The number of emergencies related to the consumption of at least one hypnosedative in the monitored hospitals in the period studied presented high levels especially in middle-aged women with no psychiatric disorder to justify their use. Benzodiazepines were the most consumed hypnotics, cause of overdose/attempted suicide episodes (AU)

[Hospital emergency events related with alcohol consumption in young. Castile and Leon, Spain]. / Episodios de urgencia hospitalaria relacionados con el consumo de alcohol en personas de entre 10 y 30 años de edad en Castilla y León durante el período 2003-2010.

BACKGROUND: Excessive alcohol consumption (regular or binge drinking) in adolescents produces physical and psychological alterations. The objective is to know its size, timing, distribution, profile and main category diagnostic of emergency department related to the consumption of alcohol in youngster people. METHODS: It´s an observational analytic study of hospital emergency related to alcohol consumption in young (10-30 years), in Castile and León hospitals, between 2003 and 2010. It is used the χ2 for comparison of proportions (significance p<0.05). RESULTS: 4.429 emergency hospital episodes related with consumption of alcohol have been analyced. The 59.5% of episodes have been registered in men and the 68.1% in the group of 18-30 years (p=0.000). There are 3.424 episodes at the weekend, and 1.005 during the week, no differences by sexes (p<0.05). The weekend raises more cases in youngster under 18 years (85,3%) than in 18-30 years (73,6%) (p=0.000). Acute alcohol intoxication is more common in <18 years (94,2%) than in 18-30 years (84,8%) (p=0.000), although between 18-30 years more harmful use (10,7%) and dependence (3,5%) is detected (p=0.000). The medical discharge is more common in women (89,9%) (p=0.000) and <18 years (p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The largest number of cases is detected in men of 18-30 years; besides, it is more severe than in under eighteen people. An increase in women emergency is detected with respect to men in under eighteen people. The most important diagnostic is acute alcohol intoxication, and more of them don´t need admission.

Episodios de urgencia hospitalaria relacionados con el consumo de alcohol en personas de entre 10 y 30 años de edad en Castilla y León durante el período 2003-2010 / Hospital emergency events related with alcohol consumption in young. Castile and Leon, Spain

Fundamentos: El consumo excesivo de alcohol en adolescentes (regular o episódico "binge drinking") produce alteraciones psicológicas y físicas. El objetivo es conocer la magnitud, distribución temporal, perfil, y principales categorías diagnósticas de las urgencias hospitalarias relacionadas con el consumo de alcohol en jóvenes en Castilla León. Métodos: Estudio observacional de las urgencias relacionadas con el consumo de alcohol en sujetos de 10 a 30 años, en hospitales de Castilla y León entre 2003 y 2010. Se utilizó la χ2 para la comparación de proporciones (significación p<0,05). Resultados: Se analizaron 4.429 urgencias relacionadas con el consumo de alcohol. Los episodios en varones supusieron el 59,5% y en el grupo de 18-30 años el 68,1% (p=0,000). Se registraron 3.424 casos en fin de semana y 1.005 entre semana, manteniéndose la distribución en ambos sexos (p<0,05). El fin de semana aumentaron más los casos en los <18 años (85,3%) que en los de 18-30 años (73,6%) (p=0,000). Las intoxicaciones agudas fueron más frecuentes en <18 años (94,2%) que en 18-30 años (84,8%) (p=0,000), aunque entre 18-30 años se detectó consumo más perjudicial (10,7%) y mayor dependencia (3,5%) (p=0,000). El alta médica fue más frecuente en mujeres (89,9%) (p=0,000) y <18 años (94,7%) (p=0,000). Conclusiones: El mayor número de casos se detectó en chicos de 18-30 años, siendo además más graves que en menores de esa edad. En éstos se observa un aumento de las urgencias en el sexo femenino respecto a los varones. El diagnóstico más frecuente son las intoxicaciones etílicas y la mayoría no precisan de ingreso hospitalario(AU)

Background: Excessive alcohol consumption (regular or binge drinking) in adolescents produces physical and psychological alterations. The objective is to know its size, timing, distribution, profile and main category diagnostic of emergency department related to the consumption of alcohol in youngster people. Methods: It's an observational analytic study of hospital emergency related to alcohol consumption in young (10-30 years), in Castile and León hospitals, between 2003 and 2010. It is used the χ2 for comparison of proportions (significance p<0.05). Results: 4.429 emergency hospital episodes related with consumption of alcohol have been analyced. The 59.5% of episodes have been registered in men and the 68.1% in the group of 18-30 years (p=0.000). There are 3.424 episodes at the weekend, and 1.005 during the week, no differences by sexes (p<0.05). The weekend raises more cases in youngster under 18 years (85,3%) than in 18-30 years (73,6%) (p=0.000). Acute alcohol intoxication is more common in <18 years (94,2%) than in 18-30 years (84,8%) (p=0.000), although between 18-30 years more harmful use (10,7%) and dependence (3,5%) is detected (p=0.000). The medical discharge is more common in women (89,9%) (p=0.000) and <18 years (p=0.000). Conclusions: The largest number of cases is detected in men of 1830 years; besides, it is more severe than in under eighteen people. An increase in women emergency is detected with respect to men in under eighteen people. The most important diagnostic is acute alcohol intoxication, and more of them don't need admission(AU)

Evolución del consumo de drogas por inmigrantes entre los años 2004 y 2008 / Trends in drug consumption among immigrants between 2004 and 2008

ObjetivoConocer el perfil de los inmigrantes drogodependientes atendidos en Castilla y León.MétodoEstudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Descripción y comparación sociodemográfica y del consumo de drogas mediante ji al cuadrado de Pearson.Resultados80,8% varones; edad media de 33,8 años (DE: 9,0), 72,3% de América Latina, Portugal y Europa del Este; 51,6% han residido en España 5 años o menos; droga principal, heroína (43,8%); vía de consumo, fumada (43,5%); iniciaron el consumo en su país de origen (64,3%). Respecto a 2004, se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<0,05) en los hombres: edad media (33,8 frente a 30,9 años), consumo de droga principal durante ≥21 años (19,2% frente a 8,3%); y en las mujeres: droga principal heroína+cocaína (25,6% frente a 3,6%), consumo durante 16 a 20 años (27,9% frente a 4,0%).ConclusionesEl patrón de consumo difiere según la procedencia. La droga más consumida es la heroína, siendo relevante el consumo inyectado. Se plantea la necesidad de reforzar actuaciones de reducción de daños en este colectivo, vigilar la situación y adaptar los servicios(AU)

ObjectiveTo determine the sociodemographic and drug use profile of immigrants attended in Castile-Leon (Spain).MethodsWe performed a retrospective descriptive study comparing sociodemographic profiles and drug use variables through Pearson's chi-square test.ResultsA total of 80.8% of drug users were men, with a mean age 33.8 years (SD: 9.0); 72.3% were from Latin America, Portugal and eastern Europe and 51.6% had lived for 5 years or less in Spain. The main drug used was heroine (43.8%), via smoking (43.5%); most drug users started using in the country of origin (64.3%). Comparisons between 2008 and 2004 showed the following significant differences: for men: mean age (33.8 vs 30.9); length of main drug use:≥21 years (19.2% vs 8.3%); for women: main drug use: heroin plus cocaine (25.6% vs 3.6%); length of main drug use: 16-20 years (27.9% vs 4.0%).ConclusionsThe pattern of drug use differed by country of origin. The most commonly used drug was heroin, and injection was a frequent route of administration. We identified a need to strengthen harm-reduction interventions in this collective, enhance surveillance and adapt health services(AU)

[Trends in drug consumption among immigrants between 2004 and 2008]. / Evolución del consumo de drogas por inmigrantes entre los años 2004 y 2008.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sociodemographic and drug use profile of immigrants attended in Castile-Leon (Spain). METHODS: We performed a retrospective descriptive study comparing sociodemographic profiles and drug use variables through Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 80.8% of drug users were men, with a mean age 33.8 years (SD: 9.0); 72.3% were from Latin America, Portugal and eastern Europe and 51.6% had lived for 5 years or less in Spain. The main drug used was heroine (43.8%), via smoking (43.5%); most drug users started using in the country of origin (64.3%). Comparisons between 2008 and 2004 showed the following significant differences: for men: mean age (33.8 vs 30.9); length of main drug use: > or =21 years (19.2% vs 8.3%); for women: main drug use: heroin plus cocaine (25.6% vs 3.6%); length of main drug use: 16-20 years (27.9% vs 4.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of drug use differed by country of origin. The most commonly used drug was heroin, and injection was a frequent route of administration. We identified a need to strengthen harm-reduction interventions in this collective, enhance surveillance and adapt health services.