Alcohol use among immigrants in Ontario, Canada.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: This study examined prevalence of alcohol consumption among immigrants and the Canadian-born populations of Ontario by ethnic origin, and the association between ethnicity, country of birth, age at arrival, length of residence in Canada and drinking measures. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were derived from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Monitor, a cross-sectional survey of Ontario adults, conducted between January 2005 and December 2010 (n = 13,557). RESULTS: The prevalence of alcohol consumption and risk drinking was generally lower among foreign-born than Canadian-born respondents, but significant variations across ethnic groups were found. In general, foreign-born respondents of European descent reported higher rates of alcohol use and risk drinking than foreign-born respondents from other ethnic groups. We also observed that ethnicity effects varied by whether or not respondents were born in Canada, and by the age at which they arrived in Canada. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: While previous studies generally found an increase in immigrants' alcohol consumption with years in Canada, our data suggest that longer duration of residence may have either positive or negative effects on immigrants' alcohol use, depending on the country of origin/traditional drinking pattern. More research is needed to explore determinants of alcohol use and risk drinking among immigrants and to identify those groups at highest risk.

Gender Differences in Alcohol Use and Risk Drinking in Ontario Ethnic Groups.

This article examines prevalence and gender differences of alcohol use and risk drinking in a representative sample of Ontario adults. Data were drawn from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Monitor survey of Ontario adults aged 18 and older collected between January 2005 and December 2010. The prevalence of self-reported lifetime, current, and high-risk drinking were all higher among the Canadian and the European-origin groups compared with other ethnic groups. Within-group gender differences were evident for all ethnic groups. The narrowest gender gap was observed within the North European group and the widest in the South Asian group. The non-European ethnic groups had higher rates of abstinence and lower alcohol consumption rates; nevertheless, a considerable proportion of people from these groups may be at risk of alcohol-related harm due to risky and harmful alcohol consumption patterns. Future research should continue to investigate alcohol use in these groups and identify subgroups at risk and factors that increase or decrease their vulnerability to risky and problem drinking.

The use of drugs between university student and the relation with abuse during childwood and adolescence / O uso de drogas entre os estudantes universitários e sua relação com o maltrato durante a infância e a adolescência / El uso de drogas entre los estudiantes universitarios y su relación con el maltrato durante la niñez y la adolescencia

Panamá, país de tránsito para productores y consumidores de drogas, generando economía emergente, cultura de violencia y maltrato en la familia y comunidad, siendo niños y adolescentes vulnerables al uso y abuso de drogas por exposición prolongada al maltrato. Se determina independencia o relación entre uso y abuso de droga con el maltrato durante la niñez y la adolescencia en estudiantes en una universidad en la ciudad de Panamá. Se aplicó el método cuantitativo, diseño transeccional, correlacional, muestreo estratificado, muestra de 377 estudiantes de 12 facultades por afijación proporcional. Instrumento aplicado: "Cuestionario Uso de Drogas y Experiencias Adversas de la niñez". La prueba chi-cuadrado, test de independencia, comprobó no independencia entre uso y abuso de drogas posterior al maltrato como abuso sexual, con p-valor asociado 0,021, al 95% nivel de confianza, con significancia de p< de 0,05; determinantes para consumo posterior: madre maltratada, separación o divorcio de padres, pares consumidores.

Panamá, país de trânsito para produtores e consumidores de drogas, gera economia emergente, cultura de violência e maltrato na família e a comunidade, sendo meninos e dolescentes vulneráveis ao uso e exposição prolongada ao abuso de drogas. Para determinar a independência ou a relação entre o uso e abuso de drogas durante a infância e adolescência em estudantes de uma universidade na cidade do Panamá. Método quantitativo aplicado, projeto transacional, busca, de amostragem, amostra de 377 alunos de 12 faculdade por aposição proporcional estratificada. Instrumento aplicado "uso de questionário de drogas e experiências negativas da infância". O teste de qui-quadrado, teste de independência, encontrado não independência entre uso e abuso de drogas após o abuso tais como abuso sexual, com p-valor associado 0,021, 95% nível de confiança, com uma significância de p < 0,05; Eles são outros determinantes para consumo posterior: mãe agredida, separação ou divórcio dos pais, pares de altos problemas.

Panama, country of traffic between drugs producers and consumers, generating emergent economy, culture of violence and maltreatment in the family and community, being vulnerable children and adolescents due long term exposition to maltreatment, presenting risk behaviors such as drugs use and abuse. To determine independence or relationship between drug use and abuse and maltreatment during childhood and adolescence in university students of an university in panama city. Quantitative study, transeccional correlacional design, stratified sampling 377 students of 12 faculty by proportional distribution, using "drugs use and abuse and adverse experience during childhood" questionnaire. The test chi square independence test proved no independence between drug use and abuse with maltreatment, highlighting sexual abuse during childhood and adolescence. Maltreatment indicators for drug use and abuse were: mistreated mother, separation and divorce of parents of the student, the influence of university student peer consumers.

Supporting African refugees in Canada: insights from a support intervention.

Although evidence suggests the importance of social support for refugees, this knowledge has not been invoked to systematically develop culturally congruent support interventions that help refugees adapt to life in receiving countries. The objective of this study was to design and pilot test a culturally congruent intervention that meets the support needs and preferences of two ethno-culturally distinct refugee groups. Support was delivered to Somali and Sudanese refugees (n = 58), by trained peer and professional facilitators. Face-to-face groups comprised of refugees, matched by gender and ethnicity, were created to enhance the depleted social networks of Somali and Sudanese refugees. Each peer support group met bi-weekly for a face-to-face session for 12 weeks. Peer facilitators delivered supplementary one-to-one support via the telephone. The ingredients of the support intervention included: (i) peer facilitators and professionals; (ii) provision of information, affirmation and emotional support; and (iii) accessibility (e.g. childcare, transportation). The study employed a qualitative participatory research design. Data collected for the study included (i) in-depth pre-intervention interviews with potential support group participants in 2008-2009 to assess intervention preferences; (ii) fieldnotes by peer and professional facilitators during the intervention in 2009-10; (iii) post-intervention group interviews with support group participants in 2010; and (iv) in-depth interviews with peer and professional helpers in 2010. A major perceived benefit of the support programme was connecting with people from African refugee participants' cultural communities. Participants appreciated the gender and culture-specific groups. Following the social support intervention, refugees reported increased social integration, decreased loneliness and expanded coping repertoire.

Policonsumo simultâneo de drogas entre estudantes de graduação da área de ciências da saúde de uma universidade: implicações de gênero, sociais e legais, Santo André - Brasil / Simultaneous polydrugs use among undergraduate students of health sciences of one university: gender, social and legal implications, Santo André - Brazil / Policonsumo simultáneo de drogas en estudiantes universitarios de pregrado del área de ciencias de la salud en una universidad: implicaciones de género, sociales y legales, Santo André - Brasil

Estudo transversal que teve por objetivo entender os padrões de policonsumo simultâneo de drogas e suas implicações de gênero, sociais e legais entre estudantes universitários. Participaram 275 estudantes de Ciências da Saúde de uma universidade em Santo André, Brasil. O policonsumo foi detectado em 27,9% dos estudantes da amostra. Combinações: álcool + cannabis; álcool + medicamentos prescritos; álcool + tabaco + cannabis; tabaco + cannabis; e tabaco + medicamentos prescritos. As justificativas foram: ajudar a relaxar; perder inibições; permanecer acordado; ajudar a fazer algo que aborrece e melhorar o efeito de outras substâncias. Não se observou associação entre situações legais e sociais, os homens admitiram utilizar mais o policonsumo que as mulheres, a religião representou fator de proteção ao policonsumo, que foi inferior ao encontrado na literatura. Por se tratar de futuros profissionais de saúde, políticas institucionais devem ser discutidas no intuito de diminuir a exposição e vulnerabilidade destes às substâncias psicoativas.

Cross sectional study that aims to understand the patterns of polydrugs use and its gender, social and legal implications among undergraduate students. 275 undergraduate students from the Faculty of Health Sciences from one university in Santo André, Brazil, participated in the study. The simultaneous polydrug use was detected in 27.9% of the sample. Combinations: alcohol + cannabis; alcohol + prescription drugs; alcohol + tobacco + cannabis; tobacco + cannabis; and tobacco + prescription drugs. Reasons: To help relaxing, to lose inhibitions, to help staying awake, to help on doing something upsetting, and to improve the effect of other substances. There was no observed association between legal and social circumstances, men used more poly consumption than women, and religion represented a protective factor to simultaneous polydrug use, which was lower than described in the literature. Considering that subjects in the represent future health care professionals, institutional policies should be discussed in order to reduce exposure and vulnerability to these substances.

Estudio transversal que busca comprender los patrones de poli-consumo simultáneo de drogas y sus consecuencias de genero, sociales y legales entre estudiantes universitarios. 275 estudiantes de las ciencias de la salud de pregrado de una universidad en Santo André, Brasil participaran en el estudio. El policonsumo simultáneo estuvo presente en 27,9% de los estudiantes de la muestra. Combinaciones: alcohol + marihuana; alcohol + medicamentos de prescripción; alcohol + tabaco + cannabis; tabaco + cannabis; y tabaco + medicamentos de prescripción. Razones: Para relajarse, perder inhibiciones, mantenerse despierto, ayudar a hacer algo que genera molestia y mejorar el efecto de otras sustancias. No se observó asociación entre circunstancias jurídicas y sociales, los hombres presentaron mayor poli-consumo que las mujeres, y la religión se presentó como un factor de protección para el poli-consumo, que fue menor que la encontrada en la literatura. Dado que se trata de futuros profesionales de la salud, las políticas institucionales deben ser analizadas con el fin de reducir la exposición y la vulnerabilidad a estas sustancias psicoactivas.

Características del policonsumo simultáneo de drogas en estudiantes de pregrado de carreras de ciencias de la salud de una universidad, Santiago - Chile / Characteristics of simultaneous polydrug use among undergraduate students of health sciences programs of one university, Santiago - Chile / Caracteristicas do policonsumo simultâneo de drogas em alunos de graduação da área de ciências da saúde em uma universidade, Santiago - Chile

Estudio transversal cuyo objetivo fue establecer los patrones de policonsumo simultáneo de drogas en estudiantes universitarios de pregrado de carreras de medicina y enfermería, en una universidad de la ciudad de Santiago - Chile. Contó con una muestra de 188 estudiantes. Resultados: 42.3% de los estudiantes refirieron policonsumo simultáneo; edad promedio de inicio 16 años; combinaciones más comunes fueron alcohol + tabaco + marihuana y tabaco + alcohol + drogas de prescripción. Aprenden de las combinaciones de drogas a través de amigos, consumen en grupos mixtos, fuera de la universidad (clubes nocturnos) y lo hacen para relajarse o disfrutar de la compañía de amigos. Es fundamental desarrollar estrategias integrales si se desea contribuir a mejorar la salud de esta población de jóvenes, quienes estarán a cargo de la salud de las generaciones futuras.

Cross sectional study whose objective was to establish the patterns of simultaneous poly-drug use among students in undergraduate medical and nursing careers, at a university in Santiago - Chile. A sample of 188 students was studied. Results: 42.3% of students refered simultaneous poly-drug use, average age of onset of 16 years; most common combinations were alcohol + tobacco + marijuana and tobacco + alcohol with prescription drugs. They learn about drug combinations through friends, consume in mixed groups outside the university (nightclubs) and do it to relax or enjoy the company of friends. It is essential to develop comprehensive strategies in order to improve the health of this population of youngsters, who will be responsible for the health of future generations.

Estudo transversal, cujo objetivo foi estabelecer os padrões de policonsumo de drogas entre estudantes de Medicina e de Enfermagem, em uma universidade de Santiago - Chile. A amostra foi composta de 188 alunos. Os resultados indicam que 42,3% dos alunos são poli-consumidores, simultaneamente, com idade média de aparecimento de 16 anos e as combinações mais comuns foram álcool + tabaco + maconha e tabaco + álcool + medicamentos prescritos, além de aprendizagem através de amigos, e consumido em grupos mistos fora da universidade (discotecas) para fazê-los relaxar ou aproveitar a companhia dos amigos. É essencial desenvolver estratégias globais, se quiser contribuir para melhorar a saúde da população, e particularmente a este grupo de jovens, que serão responsáveis pela saúde de gerações futuras.

Medio social y uso simultáneo de alcohol y tabaco en estudiantes universitarios de pregrado de carreras de ciencias de la salud de una universidad, Cundinamarca - Colombia / Social enviroment and simultaneous use of alcohol and tobaco among undergraduate students in health sciences programs from one university, Cundinamarca - Colombia / Ambiente social e uso simultâneo de álcool e tabaco entre estudantes universitarios dos cursos de graduação em ciências da saúde de uma universidad, Cundinamarca - Colômbia

Estudio transversal cuyo objetivo fue describir el medio social relacionado con el policonsumo simultáneo de alcohol y tabaco, por parte de los estudiantes universitarios de pregrado de las carreras de ciencias de la salud, en una universidad de Cundinamarca, Colombia. Se aplicó un cuestionario a 451 estudiantes. Resultados: 22.6% de los estudiantes reportaron usar en forma simultánea alcohol y tabaco. Se identificaron las siguientes situaciones como de mayor prevalencia: el aprendizaje de esta combinación es a través de amigos y se consume predominantemente fuera de la universidad; este se hace para relajarse y disfrutar la compañía de los amigos, controlando así el estrés que generan las tareas universitarias y los conflictos familiares. Consideramos necesario desarrollar programas preventivos de alto impacto para ayudar a esta población universitaria, quienes a futuro estarán a cargo del bienestar de la población en general.

A transversal study whose aim was to describe the social environment associated with simultaneous polydrug use of alcohol and cigarettes, by the undergraduate students of careers of health sciences, at a university in Cundinamarca, Colombia. A questionnaire was administered to 451 students. Results: 22.6% of students reported using alcohol simultaneously cigarette aged between 18 and 26 years in the social environment represented by the triad (person-environment-psychoactive substances), identifies the following situations: this combination is learning through friends outside the university, they can relax and enjoy the company of friends, thus controlling the stress of academic tasks, and family conflict, facing conflict in their interpersonal relationships. We need to develop high-impact preventive programs to control a situation of great social cost worldwide.

Estudo transversal, cujo objetivo foi descrever o ambiente social associado ao uso simultâneo de múltiplas drogas, pelos estudantes de graduação na área de Ciências da Saúde, de uma universidade em Cundinamarca, Colômbia. Um questionário foi aplicado a 451 alunos. Resultados: 22,6% dos alunos, com idade entre 18 e 26, relataram uso de álcool, simultaneamente com tabaco, no ambiente social, representado pela pessoa (tríade ambiente de substâncias psicoativas). Foram identificadas as seguintes situações: aprendizagem para o uso de drogas através de amigos fora da universidade; entendem que podem relaxar e desfrutar da companhia dos amigos, e assim, controlar o stress das tarefas escolares e de conflitos familiares e em suas relações interpessoais. Conclui-se que é necessário desenvolver alto impacto de programas preventivos para controlar uma situação de grande custo social no mundo inteiro.

Diversidad y complejidad en el fenómeno de las drogas: el policonsumo simultáneo en estudiantes universitarios en una universidad, Cundinamarca - Colombia / Diversity and complexity in the phenomenon of drugs: simultaneous polydrug use in university students in one university, Cundinamarca - Colombia / Diversidade e complexidade no fenômeno das drogas: o policonsumo simultâneo em estudantes universitários, Cundinamarca - Colombia

El policonsumo simultáneo de sustancias psicoactivas es un tópico que diversifica y complejiza el fenómeno de las drogas en nuestra sociedad contemporánea. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo transversal, con el propósito de describir los patrones de policonsumo simultáneo de sustancias psicoactivas, con una muestra de 975 estudiantes de pregrado de las carreras relacionadas con el área de la salud, en una Universidad en Cundinamarca, Colombia. Se observó un alto reporte de estudiantes que realizan policonsumo simultáneo, destacándose la combinación de alcohol + tabaco. Se evidenciaron comportamientos diversos del policonsumo, relacionados con la edad de inicio, el reporte del momento del consumo, el año académico cursado, las sustancias empleadas y la transición del consumo al policonsumo simultáneo. Se sugiere incluir este tópico en la formación de recursos humanos en salud y en el desarrollo de investigación.

The simultaneous polydrug use is a topic that diversifies and increase complexity in the drug phenomenon in our contemporary society. We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study, in order to describe patterns of simultaneous polydrug use of psychoactive substances, within a sample of 975 undergraduate students in health sciences, at one university in Cundinamarca, Colombia. We observed a high rate of report in simultaneous poly drug use, especially the combination of alcohol-tobacco. We identified different behaviors related to starting age, occasion for consumption, academic year, substances used, and the transition from single to poly drug use. We recommended the inclusion of this topic in training of health care human resources and in further research.

A utilização simultânea de mais de uma substância psicoativa, ao mesmo tempo é um tema que diversifica e complexifica o fenômeno das drogas na sociedade contemporânea. Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo e transversal, a fim de descrever os padrões de policonsumo simultâneo de substâncias psicoativas entre 975 estudantes de graduação da área da saúde, em uma universidade em Cundinamarca, Colômbia. Foi observado um alto índice de estudantes da amostra que relataram o uso simultâneo de múltiplas drogas, destacando a combinação de álcool e tabaco. Diferentes comportamentos são evidentes na utilização simultânea de múltiplas drogas, relacionadas com a idade de início do uso; do consumo de múltiplas drogas; o ano letivo estudado; as substâncias utilizadas no consumo de múltiplas drogas e à transição do consumo para o policonsumo de drogas. Sugerem a inclusão deste tema na formação de recursos humanos em saúde e na pesquisa.

Policonsumo simultáneo de drogas en estudiantes de pregrado del área de la salud de una universidad, San Salvador - El Salvador / Simultaneous polydrug use among undergraduate students of health sciencies from one university, San Salvador - El Salvador / Policonsumo simultâneo de drogas em alunos de graduação da área de ciências da saúde em uma universidade, San Salvador - El Salvador

El objetivo del estudio fue describir los patrones de policonsumo simultáneo de drogas en estudiantes de pregrado de una universidad de la ciudad de San Salvador, El Salvador. Estudio de diseño transversal y análisis descriptivo, con un tamaño de la muestra de 309 estudiantes. Un 5.18% de los estudiantes reporto policonsumo simultaneo en los últimos 12 meses, cifra que se reduce a 4.21% para los últimos 30 días. La edad promedio de inicio del policonsumo fue 16.9 años. En los últimos 12 meses y 30 días, la combinación más usada entre los estudiantes fue alcohol + tabaco con 2.3%. Las características de consumo más referidas fueron: el aprendizaje individual/por sí mismo, el consumo en grupos mixtos, fuera de la universidad/en clubes nocturnos y el hacerlo para la relajación.

The objective of the study was to describe patterns of simultaneous polydrug use among undergraduate students at one university in the city of San Salvador, El Salvador. The study was cross-sectional, with a descriptive analysis, with a sample size of 309. Simultaneous polydrug use was reported by 5.18% of the students for the last 12 months, and 4.21% for the last 30 days. The average onset age for polydrug use was 16.9 years. In the last 12 months and 30 days, the most common combination by used by the students was alcohol + tobacco 2.3%. The characteristics of consumption most referred were: learning individually by themselves, consumption in gender mixed groups, out side university in nightclubs, and to do it for relaxing.

O objetivo foi descrever padrões de policonsumo de drogas em estudantes de graduação em uma universidade em San Salvador, El Salvador. A pesquisa foi descritiva, com um desenho tranversal, com o tamanho da amostra foi de 309 estudantes. Verificou-se que 5,18% dos alunos tinham usado mais de uma substância psicoativa, simultaneamente, nos últimos 12 meses, enquanto nos últimos 30 dias o valor foi reduzido para 4,21%. A idade média de início de consumo de poli foi de 16,9 anos. Nos últimos 12 meses e 30 dias, a combinação mais comumente usada entre os estudantes foi álcool + tabaco 2,3%. A forma mais utilizada de aprendizagem era individual, consumidos em grupos mistos, fora da faculdade/clubes, e para relaxar.

Profile of simultaneous poly-substance users of undergraduate students at one university, Kingston - Jamaica / El perfile del policonsumo simultáneo de drogas entre estudiantes de pregrado de una universidad, Kingston - Jamaica / O perfil do policonsumo simultâneo de drogas entre estudantes de graduação de uma universidade, Kingston - Jamaica

This study is part of a multicentric research project involving seven universities in five Latin American countries and one Caribbean island (Jamaica). This cross-sectional study examines the profile of a sample of first and second year undergraduate students in the Medical/Health Science Department of one university in Kingston, Jamaica. The sample size was 295 students. Our results revealed that this pattern of drug use is occurring in this specific university. Alcohol was the most frequently reported substance 27.5%, followed by cannabis 6.1% and tobacco 4.7%. Report of polydrug consumption was low for all categories studied. Our findings may inform interventions at the university level.

Este estudio forma parte de una investigación multicentrica que involucra siete universidades en cinco países de América Latina y una isla caribeña (Jamaica). Estudio de corte transversal que examina el perfil de una muestra de estudiantes de pregrado del primer y segundo años del departamento de Ciencias de la Salud/Médicas de una universidad en Kingston, Jamaica. El tamaño de la muestra fue de 295 estudiantes. Nuestros resultados revelaron que este patrón de consumo de drogas se está produciendo en la universidad estudiada. Alcohol fue la droga mas reportada 27.5%, seguida por cannabis 6.1% y tabaco 4.7%. El reporte de poli-consumo simultaneo fue bajo. Nuestros hallazgos pueden contribuir a informar intervensiones a nivel universitario.

Este estudo é parte de uma investigação multicêntrica envolvendo sete universidades em cinco países da América Latina e uma ilha caribenha (Jamaica). Este estudo de corte transversal analisa o perfil de 295 estudantes do primeiro e segundo ano de graduação do departamento de ciências da medicina/saúde de uma Universidade em Kingston, Jamaica. Os resultados revelaram que o padrão de policonsumo simultâneo de drogas está ocorrendo na Universidade selecionada. O álcool foi a droga mais comumente relatada (27,5%), seguida pela maconha 6,1%, e tabaco 4,7%). O relatório de policonsumo simultâneo foi baixo. Nossas descobertas podem contribuir para as intervenções a nível universitário.

Exploration of simultaneous polydrug use: risk and protective factors in undergraduate students in one university, Kingston - Jamaica / Exploración del uso simultáneo de polisustancias y factores protectores y de riesgos en alumnos de pregrado en una universidad, Kingston - Jamica / Exploração do policonsumo simultâneo de drogas e fatores protetores e de riscos em estudantes de graduação de uma universidade, Kingston - Jamaica

Simultaneous polydrug use in undergraduate students was studied in one university in Kingston, Jamaica. The study was a cross-sectional, and used a survey method of data collection. We examined protective and risk factors associated with simultaneous polydrug use in a sample of 295 undergraduate students from the health and medical science departments in the university. Our results suggest that continued residence with family, family support, and students' emotional well-being are protective factors. On the other hand, ease of access of substance and limited emotional support may be considered risk factors. Our findings may inform preventive programs, though further research is required.

El policonsumo simultáneo de sustancias psicoactivas en estudiantes de una universidad fue estudiado en Kingston, Jamaica. El estudio fue de diseño transversal, y utilizó la modalidad de encueta para la recolección de datos. Examinamos factores de riesgo y de protección asociados al policonsumo simultáneo en una muestra de 295 estudiantes de pregrado de los departamentos de la salud y de la ciencia médica de la universidad participante. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la estancia continuada con la familia, el apoyo familiar, y el bienestar de los estudiantes son factores de riesgo. Por el contrario, la facilidad del acceso de las drogas y el apoyo emocional se podrían considerar como factores protectores. Estos hallazgos pueden informar programas preventivos, aunque se requiere investigación adicional.

O policonsumo simultâneo de drogas em estudantes de graduação de uma universidade foi estudado em Kingston, Jamaica. É um estudo de corte transversal utilizando o método survey para coleta de dados. Foram examinados os fatores de risco e de protecção associados com o policonsumo simultâneo, em uma amostra de 295 estudantes de graduação da are da saúde e do departamento ciências médicas da universidade participante no estudo. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que residir com a família, fornece uma sustentação maior e bem estar emocional, atuando como fatores protetores. Por outro lado, a facilidade de acesso as drogas e a sustentação emocional limitada atuaram como fatores de risco. Estes resultados podem informar os programas de prevenção, embora mais pesquisas sejam necessárias.

Gender differences in simultaneous polydrug use among undergraduate students of one university, Kingston - Jamaica / Diferencias de género en el policonsumo simultáneo de drogas entre estudiantes de pregrado en una universidad, Kingston - Jamaica / Diferenças de gênero no policonsumo simultâneo de drogas entre estudantes de graduação em uma universidade, Kingston - Jamaica

This study sought to explore the simultaneous polydrug use pattern across genders of 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students in one university in Kingston, Jamaica. There were 295 study participants (58 males and 237 females) from the faculty of Medical Sciences at a local university. The study used a self administered questionnaire which addressed various aspects of drug use and simultaneous polydrug use. Unadjusted results revealed a significantly higher simultaneous polydrug use among males than females 40.9% and 14.3% respectively in the last 12 months (χ², p=0.009) and in the last 30 days 8.9% vs. 1.7% (χ², p=0.014). These results suggest a prominence of simultaneous polydrug use behaviour among male undergraduate students in this population compared with females, although further research is required.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar el patrón comparativo de policonsumo simultáneo de drogas entre géneros, en estudiantes de 1º y 2º año de pregrado en una universidad en Kingston, Jamaica. Hubo 295 participantes en el estudio (58 hombres y 237 mujeres) de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de esta universidad local. El estudio utilizó un cuestionario auto-administrado en el que se abordaron diversos aspectos del consumo y poli-consumo simultáneo de drogas. Los resultados no-ajustados revelaron un significativo mayor nivel de policonsumo simultaneo en hombres que en mujeres 40,9% y 14,3% respectivamente en los últimos 12 meses (χ², p=0,009) y en los últimos 30 días 8,9% vs. 1,7% (χ², p=0,014). Estos resultados sugieren un predominio en el comportamiento de policonsumo simultáneo de drogas entre hombres estudiantes de pregrado en esta población comparado con mujeres, aunque se refiere investigación adicional.

Este estudo procurou explorar o padrão de policonsumo simultâneo de drogas entre diferentes sexos de alunos do 1º e 2º ano de graduação em uma universidade em Kingston, Jamaica. Participaram do estudo 295 estudantes (58 homens e 237 mulheres) da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas em uma universidade local. O estudo utilizou um questionário auto-administrável que abordou diversos aspectos do uso de drogas e policonsumo simultâneo de drogas. Os resultados não ajustados revelaram que o uso entre os homens são significativamente maiores do que as mulheres 40,9% e 14,3% respectivamente foram encontrados uso simultâneos de drogas nos últimos 12 meses (χ², p=0,009) e nos últimos 30 dias 8,9% vs. 1,7% (χ², p=0,014). Estes resultados sugerem uma predominância no comportamento dos policonsumo de drogas entre os homens de graduação nesta população em relação às mulheres, embora a necessidade de mais pesquisas nessa área.

Policonsumo simultáneo de drogas en estudiantes de pregrado del área de la salud en una universidad, León - Nicaragua / Simultaneous polydrug use among undergraduate from the health sciences area in one university, León - Nicaragua / Policonsumo simultâneo de drogas entre estudantes de graduação da área de ciências da saúde de uma universidade, León - Nicaragua

Las drogas constituyen una seria amenaza para la salud internacional. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar los patrones de policonsumo simultáneo y sus implicaciones legales y sociales entre estudiante de pregrado. El estudio fue de corte transversal, y en el participaron 357 estudiantes de pregrado del área de la salud de una universidad. El 52.1% de los participantes dijo haber usado sustancias psicoactivas alguna vez en su vida, y el 42.6% dijo haber consumido en los últimos 12 meses. En el último año, un 80.3% refirió haber consumido alcohol, un 34.2% tabaco, un 5.9% drogas de prescripción, un 4.6% cannabis, y un 3.9% cocaína/crack. En relación al consumo simultáneo en los últimos 12 meses, las cifras de reportadas fueron de 14.7% para alcohol + tabaco + cannabis, y de 8.8% para las todas las siguientes combinaciones: alcohol + cannabis, alcohol + cocaína, y cannabis + cocaína. Factores asociados al consumo fueron identificados. Se sugieren programas preventivos e investigación adicional en el tema.

Drug use constitutes a serious threat to health internationally. This study aimed to explore patterns of simultaneous polydrug use and their legal and social implications among undergraduate students. The study was cross-sectional, with a sample size of 357 undergraduate students from health care programs in one university. 52.1% of participants said to have used psychoactive substances somewhere in their lives, and 42.6% referred consumption in the last 12 months. For the year, 80.3% referred to have consumed alcohol, 34.2% tobacco, 5.9% prescription drugs, 4.6% cannabis, and 3.9% cocaine/crack. In relation to the simultaneous consumption in the last 12 months, the report rates were14.7% for alcohol + tobacco + cannabis, and 8.8% for all following combinations: alcohol + cannabis, alcohol + cocaine, and cannabis + cocaine. We explored factors associated with to drug consumption. Preventive programs and further research is suggested.

As drogas constituem uma séria ameaça para a saúde internacional. Este estudo teve como objetivo explorar o policonsumo simultâneo de drogas e suas consequências legais e sociais entre estudantes de graduação da área de ciências da saúde. Este estudo é de corte transversal com a participação de 357 estudantes de graduação da área da saúde de uma universidade. 52,1% disseram ter usado substância psicoactiva alguma vez em sua vida e 42,6% tinham consumido nos últimos 12 meses. Nos último ano, 80,3% dos estudantes tinha consumido álcool, 34,2% tabaco, 5,9% drogas prescritas, 4,6% maconha, e 3,9% cocaína/crack. Em relação ao consumo simultâneo nos últimos 12 meses, foram álcool + tabaco + maconha (14,7%); e álcool + maconha, álcool + cocaína, e maconha + cocaína, todos com 8,8%. Fatores associados ao uso de drogas foram identificados. Sugere-se programas de prevenção e pesquisa adicional sobre o assunto.

Stresses of passage, balms of resettlement, and posttraumatic stress disorder among Sri Lankan Tamils in Canada.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the salience of pre- and postmigration stresses as risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to identify resilience factors and explore their mental health salience. METHODS: We conducted a mental health survey of 1603 Sri Lankan Tamils in Toronto, incorporating the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview for PTSD. RESULTS: According to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, criteria, lifetime prevalence for PTSD was 12%; according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria it was 5.8%. Female sex and the number of stresses of passage increased the probability of PTSD, whereas satisfaction with life and the availability of nonfamily social relations reduced it. CONCLUSIONS: Consideration of pre- and postmigration stresses of passage and of the nature of resilience contributes to an improved understanding of PTSD among refugees.

Immigrant parents' perceptions of school environment and children's mental health and behavior.

BACKGROUND: Research has increasingly identified the perception of school environment as an influential factor in children's lives. There has been sparse research attention, however, on the potential importance of parents' perceptions of school environment on child adjustment. This study examined the relationship between parents' perceptions of school environment and children's emotional and behavioral problems. METHODS: Data were derived from the New Canadian Children and Youth Study, a study of the children (aged 4-6 and 11-13) of immigrant parents. Analyses focused on a subsample of Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong Chinese, and Filipino immigrants in a large metropolitan area. RESULTS: Parental perception of school environment was negatively associated with physical aggression in children even after controlling for child age and gender, parental characteristics, family functioning, and aspects of acculturation. In contrast, parental perception was not significantly related to symptoms of emotional distress in children. There were some ethnic differences in perception of school environment. CONCLUSIONS: Parental perception of school environment is important to the well-being of the children of immigrant parents, and reinforces the relevance of initiatives to improve the dynamics between parents and schools.

Regional effects on the mental health of immigrant children: results from the New Canadian Children and Youth Study (NCCYS).

Children in immigrant families from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the Philippines living in Toronto and Montreal are at higher risk of Emotional Problems than children in immigrant families in Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver (Beiser et al., 2010). The current publication explores human capital, social capital, institutional receptivity, and perceptions of welcome as explanations for regional disparities. Parent's lack of linguistic fluency, and depressive symptoms provided the most likely explanation for Montreal's mental health disadvantage. Immigrant human and social capital, poor home-school relationships, marginalization, and lack of neighborhood organization contributed to the prediction of risk for emotional problems among immigrant children in Toronto, but may not fully account for differences between Toronto and Vancouver.

Narratives of "dissonance" and "repositioning" through the lens of critical humanism: exploring the influences on immigrants' and refugees' health and well-being.

The focus of this article is on narratives of "starting over," and the embedded processes, conceptualized as "dissonance"--between what people had expected to find in Canada and their actual experiences, and "repositioning"--how they subsequently restructured their lives and redefined their identities. This narrative analysis is one way of illuminating the complex ways in which social support networks influence dissonance and repositioning, and subsequently influence health and well-being.

Meanings of home and mental well-being among Sudanese refugees in Canada.

OBJECTIVES: This article examines family and social factors that affect refugee mental health during resettlement by presenting qualitative analysis of the concept of home and its functional and psychological meanings based on findings from research with Sudanese refugees in Canada. DESIGN: Data were collected in two successive multi-method, community-based studies between 2003 and 2007 with Sudanese refugee participants in Ontario and Alberta, Canada. The first study used survey methods with 220 participants in seven sites and the second, in-depth qualitative interviews with 30 community members in three sites. RESULTS: In the first study, economic hardship and family adaptation challenges were reported to affect Sudanese mental well-being. The second study explored cultural aspects of Sudanese family and community well-being in greater depth. Meanings of home emerged from data as a key concept linking social support, resettlement, and mental health. Findings highlight how the presence or absence of the social supports associated with home affect refugees' mental health during resettlement. The analysis focuses on four themes: emotional support; fulfilling social roles and expectations; problem solving and conflict resolution; and dignity and growth, as well as perceived impact on community mental health. CONCLUSION: Qualities of home that Sudanese lack during resettlement points to critical gaps that must be filled by mental health and other service providers to promote positive refugee mental health in countries of resettlement.

[Use of illicit drugs and critical perspectives of drug users' relatives and acquaintances in Northern Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil]. / Uso de drogas ilícitas e perspectivas críticas de familiares e pessoas próximas, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Zona Norte, Brasil.

This article presents the partial results of a multicenter, qualitative study, which involved seven Latin-American countries and Canada. The results presented refer to Northern Rio de Janeiro (city), Brazil. The objective of the study was to describe the perspective of relatives/acquaintances of illicit drug users about protective and risk factors, prevention initiatives, treatment services, and legal aspects regarding illicit drugs. Interviews were performed with 99 individuals, who reported being affected by their relationship with an illicit drug user (relative or acquaintance), approaching their perspectives regarding the key-domains. Most participants were women (73.7%); relatives who used drugs were mostly men (78.2%); the most consumed drug was marijuana (77.8%). The highlighted protective factor was having recreational-sports activities in the community (88.9%), and the risk factor was curiosity for trying something new (94.4%). The main treatment services were Church Groups (51.5%), and participants stated that laws should be more punitive (82.8%). In conclusion, this information is essential to fight against drug use/abuse, showing that there is a need for actions that consider different perspectives at different levels.

[Family and acquaintances of illicit drug users: community perspectives on laws and public policies in Western Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Familiares e pessoas conhecidas de usuários de drogas ilícitas: recorte de opiniões sobre leis e políticas públicas de uma comunidade da Zona Oeste do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

This article is part of the study 'Illicit Drug Use in Seven Latin American Countries and Canada: Critical Perspectives of Family and Familiars' (7LACC), which investigated four domains: protective and risk factors; preventive initiatives; treatment facilities; and laws and policies. The article presents a section of the results based on four items of the laws and policies domain--as perceived by the family and acquaintances of illicit drug users living in the community. Participants were recruited in urban primary health care units located in Western Rio de Janeiro (city), Brazil. This multi-method, cross-temporal study performed interviews with 100 adults (18 years of age or older), all cognitively healthy. Results and key conclusions included non-compliance with the fundamental principles of the Unique Health System Legislation / Law 8.080/90 and the erroneous implementation of laws and public policies on illicit drug.