Addressing the smoking-hypertension paradox in pregnancy: insight from a multiethnic US birth cohort.

Background: Smoking during pregnancy has been associated with reduced risk of a spectrum of hypertensive (HTN) disorders, known as the "smoking-hypertension paradox." Objective: We sought to test potential epidemiologic explanations for the smoking-hypertension paradox. Methods: We analyzed 8510 pregnant people in the Boston Birth Cohort, including 4027 non-Hispanic Black and 2428 Hispanic pregnancies. Study participants self-reported tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, opioids, or cocaine use during pregnancy. We used logistic regression to assess effect modification by race/ethnicity, and confounding of concurrent substances on hypertensive disorders or prior pregnancy. We also investigated early gestational age as a collider or competing risk for pre-eclampsia, using cause-specific Cox models and Fine-Gray models, respectively. Results: We replicated the paradox showing smoking to be protective against hypertensive disorders among Black participants who used other substances as well (aOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.93), but observed null effects for Hispanic participants (aOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.55, 2.36). In our cause-specific Cox regression, the effects of tobacco use were reduced to null effects with pre-eclampsia (aOR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.63, 1.04) after stratifying for preterm birth. For the Fine-Gray competing risk analysis, the paradoxical associations remained. The smoking paradox was either not observed or reversed after accounting for race/ethnicity, other substance use, and collider-stratification due to preterm birth. Conclusions: These findings offer new insights into this paradox and underscore the importance of considering multiple sources of bias in assessing the smoking-hypertension association in pregnancy.

Panorama of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Brazil and its Association With Self-Perception of Health: Findings From a National Representative Survey.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a challenge in Brazil. The country holds one of the highest rates of femicide in the world, most of which are preceded by IPV. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 34,334 women, aged 18 to 59 years, from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey to analyze the prevalence of IPV and its subtypes among the Brazilian adult women in the last 12 months, encompassing their health consequences and the use of health services resulting from IPV. We also used logistic regression models to estimate the association of sociodemographic characteristics and self-perceived health status with IPV. The prevalence of IPV among Brazilian adult women in the last 12 months was 7.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] [7.0, 8.2]). Women aged 18 to 39 years, not married, and with income of up to 1 minimum wage (MW), had higher odds of suffering IPV. Among those who reported health consequences due to IPV, 69% reported psychological consequences, and 13.9% sought health care, mostly in primary or secondary health care services in the Brazilian Unified Health System (41.9%). Regarding the self-perceived health variables, women who reported eating problems (odds ratio [OR] = 1.29; [1.01, 1.65]), lack of interest/absence of pleasure (OR = 1.41; [1.11, 1.79]), depressive feelings (OR = 1.39; [1.03, 1.88]), feeling of failure (OR = 1.75; [1.36, 2.24]), and suicidal thoughts (OR = 1.73; [1.25, 2.41]) had greater odds of reporting IPV compared to those who did not report these same perceptions. The results show that younger, divorced or single, low-income women with eating problems and mental health disorders were more likely to suffer IPV. IPV often led to health problems, and many abused women sought support from public health services. Health professionals must be trained to identify and care for these women, thereby acting as allies in preventing and reducing IPV.

Body dissatisfaction, drug use, and associated factors among adolescents in three Brazilian cities. / Insatisfação com a imagem corporal, uso de drogas e fatores associados entre adolescentes em três cidades brasileiras.

OBJECTIVE: analyze the association between drug use and body dissatisfaction among adolescents in three Brazilian cities. METHOD: cross-sectional study, using a nested randomized controlled trial to evaluate the drug use prevention program #TamoJunto2.0 of the Ministry of Health in Brazilian schools. The sample consisted of 5,213 students from 73 schools in three Brazilian cities. The outcome body satisfaction was analyzed using the Stunkard scale and the explanatory variables were drug use and sociodemographic data. RESULTS: the adolescents were between 12 and 14 years old; about 69.9% of them reported body dissatisfaction, and 35.67% used alcohol in the previous year. Dissatisfaction due to overweight was higher among girls (41.5%) and dissatisfaction due to underweight was higher among boys (33.1%). Adolescents who used marijuana were 39% (OR=1.39) more likely to feel dissatisfied due to underweight and being a girl increased the chances of feeling dissatisfied due to overweight by 24% (OR=1.24). CONCLUSION: the levels of body dissatisfaction deserve attention in hebiatric nursing care and reinforce the importance of educational strategies addressing body image and drug use, relating them to the various subjective attributes that can affect the health of adolescents, whether in the community or at school.(1) High prevalence of body dissatisfaction related to overweight. (2) Girls presented 24% more chances of feeling body dissatisfaction due to overweight. (3) Marijuana use in adolescence can increase by 39% body dissatisfaction due to underweight. (4) Last year, about 35.7% of adolescents had already consumed alcohol. (5) Health promotion and stimulation of positive perceptions of self-image.

Heavy episodic drinking trends in the Brazilian state capitals and Federal District, 2006-2018: an ecological time series analysis. / Tendência do beber episódico excessivo nas capitais brasileiras e no Distrito Federal, 2006-2018: um estudo ecológico de séries temporais.

OBJECTIVE: To assess heavy episodic drinking trends in the 26 Brazilian state capitals and Federal District, overall and according to sex. METHODS: This was an ecological time series study of heavy episodic drinking patterns among adults, from 2006 to 2018. The data were obtained from VIGITEL Survey time series. Prais-Winsten regression was used. RESULTS: In the period studied a stationary heavy episodic drinking trend was found in 23 out of the 27 state capitals, with the exception of Macapá, where there was a decrease in this practice, and in São Paulo, Florianópolis and the Federal District, where an increase was found. There were important differences by sex in relation to heavy episodic drinking, with a tendency to increased consumption among women in seven state capitals. CONCLUSION: There was no reduction in heavy episodic drinking in most capitals, showing the urgency of implementing interventions to reduce alcohol consumption among the Brazilian population.

Neuropsychological assessment of current and past crack cocaine users.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive changes due to crack cocaine consumption remain unclear. METHODS: For clarification, 55 subjects were assigned to three groups: control group, crack cocaine current users, and ex-users. Participants were submitted to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and tasks evaluating executive functioning and verbal memory. Mood state was also measured. Intergroup comparisons were carried out. RESULTS: Control group performance on the MMSE was better than that of users and ex-users. Verbal memory performance for logical memory of users was impaired. Ex-users scored lower on DSST and Trail Making Test (Part B). CONCLUSION: Chronic crack cocaine use seems to disrupt general cognitive functioning (MMSE), verbal memory, and attentional resources, but findings suggest that some of these effects could be reversed by abstinence.

Recreational use of benzydamine as a hallucinogen among street youth in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the recreational use of benzydamine, an anti-inflammatory drug, among street youth in Brazil. DESIGN: a descriptive, cross sectional survey. SETTING: 93 welfare services for the street youth in 27 Brazilian capitals. PARTICIPANTS: 2807 street youth, 10 to 18 years old. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: demographic characteristics, drug use pattern (lifetime use, use in the past 30 days, frequency, and characteristics of use in the past month) and effects of benzydamine through the use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: 78 reported lifetime recreational benzydamine use (67 cases identified only in three capitals). Among the 30 respondents reporting drug use in the last month (the month preceding the survey), 66.7% (n = 20) used the drug on 4 or more days (in the month preceding the survey). The most frequently (50%) pleasure effects reported were hallucination and nonspecific sensory changes described as 'trips'. Unwanted effects were reported by 75% of respondents, they were especially nausea and vomiting (21.4%). In the majority of the cases, drug was obtained from drugstores without a medical prescription. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the recreational use of benzydamine among street youth, mainly in the Northeast of Brazil, and also indicates the need for special controls on the dispensation of this substance.

Evaluation of the Implementation Process of the Tamojunto 2 0 Prevention Program in Brazilian Schools / Avaliação do Processo de Implementação do Programa Preventivo # Tamojunto 2 0 em Escolas Brasileiras / Evaluación del Proceso de Implementación del Programa Preventivo # Tamojunto 2. 0 en Escuelas Brasileñas

Abstract The #Tamojunto2.0 program (Unplugged) has been evaluated in Brazil in order to support its implementation as a national public policy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation process of the #Tamojunto2.0 school-based program, disseminated by the Ministry of Health, in the prevention of alcohol and other drug use among adolescents. This is a mixed-methods study. The sample consisted of 13 teachers and eight managers of 8th grade classes of elementary education public schools located in two cities, and a training provider professional for the program's application. Observation, evaluation and semi-structured interview forms were used. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed. The results indicate low implementation fidelity, good quality in the application of the program, and high student absenteeism. Aspects which facilitate or hinder implementation of the program are also presented. Such results are relevant for the large-scale implementation of #Tamojunto2.0.

Resumo O programa #Tamojunto2.0 (Unplugged) tem sido avaliado no Brasil com vistas a subsidiar sua implantação como política pública nacional. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o processo de implementação do programa escolar #Tamojunto2.0, disseminado pelo Ministério da Saúde, na prevenção do uso de álcool e outras drogas entre adolescentes. Trata-se de estudo de métodos mistos. A amostra constituiu-se de 13 professores e oito gestores de turmas de 8º ano do ensino fundamental de escolas públicas localizadas em duas cidades, e uma profissional ministrante da formação para aplicação do programa. Foram utilizados formulários de observação, avaliação e roteiro de entrevista semiestruturada, os dados coletados foram submetidos às análises descritiva e temática. Os resultados indicam baixa fidelidade de implementação, boa qualidade na aplicação do programa, alto absenteísmo dos estudantes. São também apresentados aspectos que facilitam ou dificultam sua implementação. Tais resultados são relevantes para a implementação do #Tamojunto2.0 em larga-escala.

Resumen El programa # Tamojunto2.0 (Unplugged) ha sido evaluado en Brasil con miras a subsidiar su implementación como política pública nacional. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el proceso de implementación del programa escolar #Tamojunto2.0, difundido por el Ministerio de Salud, en la prevención del consumo de drogas en adolescentes. Es un estudio de métodos mixtos. La muestra se constituyó de 13 maestros y ocho directores de clases del 8º grado de Enseñanza Fundamental en escuelas públicas de dos ciudades, y un profesional provedor de capacitación para la aplicación del programa. Se utilizaron formularios de observación, evaluación y entrevista semiestructurada. Los datos se sometieron a análisis descriptivo y temático. Los resultados indican baja fidelidad en la implementación, buena calidad en la aplicación del programa, alto ausentismo estudiantil. También se presentan aspectos que facilitan o dificultan la implementación del programa. Estos resultados son relevantes para la implementación a gran escala de #Tamojunto2.0.

Insatisfação com a imagem corporal, uso de drogas e fatores associados entre adolescentes em três cidades brasileiras / Body dissatisfaction, drug use, and associated factors among adolescents in three Brazilian cities / Insatisfacción con la imagen corporal, uso de drogas y factores asociados entre adolescentes en tres ciudades brasileñas

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a associação entre uso de drogas e a insatisfação com a imagem corporal de adolescentes em três cidades brasileiras. Método: estudo transversal, aninhado em um ensaio controlado randomizado para avaliar o programa de prevenção ao uso de drogas em escolas brasileiras #TamoJunto2.0 do Ministério da Saúde. A amostra foi de 5.213 alunos de 73 escolas de três cidades brasileiras. O desfecho satisfação corporal foi analisado por meio da escala de Silhuetas de Stunkard e as variáveis explicativas foram o uso de drogas e dados sociodemográficos. Resultados: os adolescentes tinham entre 12 e 14 anos e cerca de 69,9% relataram insatisfação corporal, e no último ano 35,67% utilizaram álcool. A insatisfação por sobrepeso foi maior nas meninas (41,5%) e por baixo peso nos meninos (33,1%). Os adolescentes que usavam maconha apresentaram 39% (OR=1,39) mais chance de insatisfação por baixo peso e ser menina aumentou em 24% (OR=1,24) as chances de insatisfação por sobrepeso. Conclusão: os níveis de insatisfação corporal merecem atenção no cuidado de enfermagem hebiátrica e reforçam a necessidade de estratégias educativas abordando a imagem corporal e uso de drogas, a relacionando aos vários atributos subjetivos que podem afetar a saúde dos adolescentes, seja na comunidade ou escola.

Abstract Objective: analyze the association between drug use and body dissatisfaction among adolescents in three Brazilian cities. Method: cross-sectional study, using a nested randomized controlled trial to evaluate the drug use prevention program #TamoJunto2.0 of the Ministry of Health in Brazilian schools. The sample consisted of 5,213 students from 73 schools in three Brazilian cities. The outcome body satisfaction was analyzed using the Stunkard scale and the explanatory variables were drug use and sociodemographic data. Results: the adolescents were between 12 and 14 years old; about 69.9% of them reported body dissatisfaction, and 35.67% used alcohol in the previous year. Dissatisfaction due to overweight was higher among girls (41.5%) and dissatisfaction due to underweight was higher among boys (33.1%). Adolescents who used marijuana were 39% (OR=1.39) more likely to feel dissatisfied due to underweight and being a girl increased the chances of feeling dissatisfied due to overweight by 24% (OR=1.24). Conclusion: the levels of body dissatisfaction deserve attention in hebiatric nursing care and reinforce the importance of educational strategies addressing body image and drug use, relating them to the various subjective attributes that can affect the health of adolescents, whether in the community or at school.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la asociación entre uso de drogas y la insatisfacción con la imagen corporal de adolescentes en tres ciudades brasileñas. Método: estudio transversal, anidado en un ensayo controlado aleatorio para evaluar el programa de prevención del uso de drogas en escuelas brasileñas #TamoJunto2.0 del Ministerio de la Salud. La muestra fue de 5.213 alumnos de 73 escuelas de tres ciudades brasileñas. El desenlace satisfacción corporal se analizó mediante la escala de Siluetas de Stunkard y las variables explicativas fueron el consumo de drogas y los datos sociodemográficos. Resultados: los adolescentes tenían entre 12 y 14 años y alrededor del 69,9% relató insatisfacción corporal, y en el último año el 35,67% consumió alcohol. La insatisfacción por sobrepeso fue mayor en las niñas (41,5%) y por bajo peso en los niños (33,1%). Los adolescentes que consumían marihuana tenían un 39% (OR=1,39) más de probabilidades de estar insatisfechos con el bajo peso y ser niña aumentó en un 24% (OR=1,24) las chances de insatisfacción por sobrepeso. Conclusión: los niveles de insatisfacción corporal merecen atención en el cuidado de enfermería hebiátrica y refuerzan la necesidad de estrategias educativas abordando la imagen corporal y el uso de drogas, relacionándola a los varios atributos subjetivos que pueden afectar la salud de los adolescentes, ya sea en la comunidad o en la escuela.

[Main reasons for non-use of illicit drugs by young population exposed to risk situations]. / Razões para o não-uso de drogas ilícitas entre jovens em situação de risco.

OBJECTIVE: Although there are many studies on risk factors for drug use, little has been known about the reasons that prevent people away from drug use. The aim of this study was to identify the reasons that would prevent low-income youngsters against psychotropic drug experimentation and use, even when living in a drug dealing environment. METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out in an intentional sample selected according to a set of criteria. Sixty-two youngsters, aged between 16 and 24 years, from low-income families who have never used psychotropic drugs (32 subjects) or who were heavy drug users (30 subjects) were interviewed. Each interview lasted on average 110 minutes. RESULTS: Among non-users, access to information and a protective family structure were identified as major reasons from preventing youngster from drug use. Comprehensive information on the outcomes of drug use and affective bonds between parents and their children, assured by feelings of support and respect, seems to be important in helping them avoid drug use. The importance of these two factors as reasons to keep youngsters away from drugs is emphasized when their lack is mentioned and censured by drug users. CONCLUSIONS: The outlook of those who have never used drugs in their lifetime and their reasons should be considered in the development of drug prevention programs targeting low-income youngsters.

Tendência do beber episódico excessivo nas capitais brasileiras e no Distrito Federal, 2006-2018: um estudo ecológico de séries temporais / Tendencia del consumo episódico excesivo de alcohol en las capitales brasileñas y el Distrito Federal, 2006-2018: un estudio ecológico de series temporales / Heavy episodic drinking trends in the Brazilian state capitals and Federal District, 2006-2018: an ecological time series analysis*

Objetivo: Avaliar as tendências do beber episódico excessivo nas 26 capitais brasileiras e no Distrito Federal, geral e por sexo. Métodos:Estudo ecológico de séries temporais do padrão de beber episódico excessivo entre adultos, entre os anos de 2006 a 2018. Os dados foram obtidos da série histórica do Vigitel. Empregou-se regressão de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: No período estudado, observou-se tendência estacionária de beber episódico excessivo em 23 das 27 capitais brasileiras; na capital Macapá, observou-se diminuição dessa prática; e nas capitais São Paulo e Florianópolis, assim como no Distrito Federal, tendência crescente nesse consumo. Há importantes diferenças no beber episódico excessivo por sexo, com tendência de aumento entre mulheres em sete capitais. Conclusão: Não houve redução do beber episódico excessivo na maioria das capitais, evidenciando a urgência da implantação de intervenções visando reduzir o consumo de álcool na população brasileira.

Objetivo: Evaluar las tendencias del consumo episódico excesivo de alcohol en las 26 capitales brasileñas y el Distrito Federal, total y según el sexo. Métodos: Estudio ecológico de series temporales del patrón de consumo excesivo de alcohol episódico entre adultos, de 2006 a 2018. Los datos se obtuvieron de la serie histórica de Vigitel. Se utilizó la regresión de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: Se observó una tendencia estacionaria al consumo episódico excesivo de alcohol entre 2006 y 2018 en 23 de 27 de las capitales brasileñas; con excepción de Macapá donde hubo una disminución en esta práctica, y en las capitales São Paulo, Florianópolis y Distrito Federal, donde se encontró una tendencia creciente. Existen diferencias importantes por sexo, con aumento del consumo entre las mujeres en siete capitales. Conclusión: No hubo reducción en el consumo episódico excesivo de alcohol en la mayoría de las capitales, lo que demuestra la urgencia de implementar intervenciones para reducir el consumo de alcohol en la población brasileña.

Objective: To assess heavy episodic drinking trends in the 26 Brazilian state capitals and Federal District, overall and according to sex. Methods: This was an ecological time series study of heavy episodic drinking patterns among adults, from 2006 to 2018. The data were obtained from VIGITEL Survey time series. Prais-Winsten regression was used. Results: In the period studied a stationary heavy episodic drinking trend was found in 23 out of the 27 state capitals, with the exception of Macapá, where there was a decrease in this practice, and in São Paulo, Florianópolis and the Federal District, where an increase was found. There were important differences by sex in relation to heavy episodic drinking, with a tendency to increased consumption among women in seven state capitals. Conclusion: There was no reduction in heavy episodic drinking in most capitals, showing the urgency of implementing interventions to reduce alcohol consumption among the Brazilian population.

[The role of information as a preventive drug measure among youth at risk]. / O papel da informação como medida preventiva ao uso de drogas entre jovens em situação de risco.

Illicit drug consumption among youngsters is a public health concern that requires attention. However, little research has highlighted the importance of "drug information availability" among protection factors. The objective of the study is to identify, from the point of view of youngsters at risk, what factors could prevent them to try illicit drugs, focusing on the importance of "drug information availability". An intentional sample was selected, composed by 62 youngsters divided into two groups: (NU) non illicit users N=32 and (U) users N=30. The sample was recruited through key-informants and snowball and each participant was submitted to an in-depth semi-structured interview. According to NU, "drug information availability" was reported as the main protector factor. Family-based information was the main source of knowledge followed by observation of the drug negative consequences on lives of friends who have already consumed illicit drugs in a regular-basis. Among users, a lack of drug knowledge or availability of partial information was reported. Among youngsters at risk, drug information availability is the main protection factor against experimental and regular drug consumption. Family based information was reported as its main source.

[The role of information as a preventive measure to the drug use among young people at risk]. / O papel da informação como medida preventiva ao uso de drogas entre jovens em situação de risco.

Illicit drug consumption among youngsters is a public health concern that requires attention. However, little research has highlighted the importance of "drug information availability" among protection factors. The aim of this article is to identify, from the point of view of youngsters at risk, what factors could prevent them to try illicit drugs, focusing on the importance of "drug information availability". An intentional sample was selected, composed by 62 youngsters divided into two groups: (NU) non illicit users N=32 and (U) users N=30. The sample was recruited through key-informants and "snowball" and each participant was submitted to an in-depth semi-structured interview. According to NU "drug information availability" was reported as the main protector factor. Family-based information was the main source of knowledge followed by observation of the drug negative consequences on lives of friends who have already consumed illicit drugs in a regular-basis. Among users, it was reported a lack of drug knowledge or availability of partial information. We can conclude that among youngsters at risk, drug information availability is the main protection factor against experimental and regular drug consumption. Family based information was reported as its main source.

Factors associated with heavy alcohol use among students in Brazilian capitals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between heavy use of alcohol among students and family, personal and social factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including public school students aged ten to 18 from 27 Brazilian capital cities in 2004. Data was collected using an anonymous, self-report questionnaire that was adapted from a World Health Organization instrument. A representative sample comprising 48,155 students was stratified by census tracts and clusters (schools). The associations between heavy alcohol use and the factors studied were analyzed using logistic regression at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Of all students, 4,286 (8.9%) reported heavy alcohol use in the month prior to the interview. The logistic regression analysis showed an association between fair or poor relationship with the father (OR = 1.46) and the mother (OR = 1.61) and heavy use of alcohol. Following a religion (OR = 0.83) was inversely associated with heavy alcohol consumption. Sports practice and mother perceived as a 'liberal' person had no significance in the model. However, a higher prevalence of heavy use of alcohol was seen among working students. CONCLUSIONS: Stronger family ties and religion may help preventing alcohol abuse among students.

O papel da informação como medida preventiva ao uso de drogas entre jovens em situação de risco / The role of information as a preventive drug measure among youth at risk

Entre os jovens, o uso de drogas ilícitas é um problema de saúde coletiva que desperta atenção. Poucos estudos sobre motivos para o não uso de drogas exploram o real papel da informação como método preventivo. O objetivo do estudo é analisar, entre adolescentes e jovens em situação de risco, os motivos para o não uso de drogas ilícitas, destacando o impacto da informação como fator protetor. Através de metodologia qualitativa, adotou-se uma amostra intencional, selecionada por informantes-chave e por "bola de neve". Foram entrevistados 62 adolescentes e jovens entre dezesseis e 24 anos, de baixa classe socioeconomica. Destes, 32 eram não usuários de drogas (NU) e trinta eram usuários pesados (U). Entre o grupo NU, a informação destacou-se como principal motivo de não uso, através do conhecimento de aspectos positivos e negativos. O principal meio de veiculação foi a família, seguido da observação da experiência negativa vivenciada por amigos que já faziam abuso. Em contrapartida, no grupo U, prevaleceu a falta de informação ou a disponibilidade de conhecimentos vagos. Dispor de informações adequadas sobre o tema "drogas" parece essencial à prevenção do uso experimental entre adolescentes e jovens em situação de risco. No entanto, a informação que mais parece eficaz é a transmitida pela família.

Illicit drug consumption among youngsters is a public health concern that requires attention. However, little research has highlighted the importance of "drug information availability" among protection factors. The objective of the study is to identify, from the point of view of youngsters at risk, what factors could prevent them to try illicit drugs, focusing on the importance of "drug information availability". An intentional sample was selected, composed by 62 youngsters divided into two groups: (NU) non illicit users N=32 and (U) users N=30. The sample was recruited through key-informants and snowball and each participant was submitted to an in-depth semi-structured interview. According to NU, "drug information availability" was reported as the main protector factor. Family-based information was the main source of knowledge followed by observation of the drug negative consequences on lives of friends who have already consumed illicit drugs in a regular-basis. Among users, a lack of drug knowledge or availability of partial information was reported. Among youngsters at risk, drug information availability is the main protection factor against experimental and regular drug consumption. Family based information was reported as its main source.

O papel da informação como medida preventiva ao uso de drogas entre jovens em situação de risco / The role of information as a preventive measure to the drug use among young people at risk

Entre os jovens, o uso de drogas ilícitas é um problema de saúde coletiva que desperta atenção. Poucos estudos sobre motivos para o não-uso de drogas exploram o real papel da informação como método preventivo. Este estudo pretende analisar, entre adolescentes e jovens em situação de risco, os motivos para o não-uso de drogas ilícitas destacando o impacto da informação como fator protetor. Através de metodologia qualitativa, adotou-se uma amostra intencional, selecionada por informantes-chave e por "bola-de-neve". Foram entrevistados 62 adolescentes e jovens entre 16 e 24 anos, de baixa classe socioeconômica. Destes, 32 eram não-usuários de drogas (NU) e 30 eram usuários pesados (U). Entre o grupo NU, a informação destacou-se como principal motivo de não-uso, através do conhecimento de aspectos positivos e negativos. O principal meio de veiculação foi a família, seguido da observação da experiência negativa vivenciada por amigos que já faziam abuso. Em contrapartida, no grupo U, prevaleceu a falta de informação ou a disponibilidade de conhecimentos vagos. Dispor de informações adequadas sobre o tema "drogas" parece essencial à prevenção do uso experimental entre adolescentes e jovens em situação de risco. No entanto, a informação que mais parece eficaz é a transmitida pela família.

Illicit drug consumption among youngsters is a public health concern that requires attention. However, little research has highlighted the importance of "drug information availability" among protection factors. The aim of this article is to identify, from the point of view of youngsters at risk, what factors could prevent them to try illicit drugs, focusing on the importance of "drug information availability". An intentional sample was selected, composed by 62 youngsters divided into two groups: (NU) non illicit users N=32 and (U) users N=30. The sample was recruited through key-informants and "snowball" and each participant was submitted to an in-depth semi-structured interview. According to NU "drug information availability" was reported as the main protector factor. Family-based information was the main source of knowledge followed by observation of the drug negative consequences on lives of friends who have already consumed illicit drugs in a regular-basis. Among users, it was reported a lack of drug knowledge or availability of partial information. We can conclude that among youngsters at risk, drug information availability is the main protection factor against experimental and regular drug consumption. Family based information was reported as its main source.

Trihexyphenidyl (Artane): a Brazilian study of its abuse.

In Brazil, the medicinal misuse of trihexyphenidyl (Artane) has been observed among several segments of society. The present study was conducted in the city of São Paulo during 2002 to characterize this abuse. A sample of 21 users and 16 ex-users was interviewed using qualitative methodology; the subjects were single, unemployed, male polydrug users, who used trihexyphenidyl in order to attain states of mental alterations, mainly hallucinations and deliriums. Trihexyphenidyl is consumed in association with alcohol, other licit drugs (benzodiazepines), or illicit drugs, impairing cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and learning, intervening with some activities of users' daily life.

Percepções e atitudes de professores de escolas públicas e privadas perante o tema drogas / Perceptions and attitudes among public school teachers towards the topic of drugs / Percepciones y actitudes de profesores de escuelas públicas y privadas ante el tema de las drogas

No Brasil, apesar de os professores serem considerados como agentes potenciais para a prevenção do uso de drogas, há mais de duas décadas os programas escolares de prevenção não têm alcançado os resultados esperados. Com o intuito de auxiliar a identificação da origem do problema, foram avaliadas as percepções/ atitudes de professores sobre o tema. Participaram da pesquisa vinte professores do Ensino Fundamental e Médio da cidade de São Paulo, com os quais foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas. Embora esses profissionais se reconheçam como formadores de opinião, não se consideram suficientemente habilitados para tratar do tema com seus alunos, seja pela sua falta de informação, interesse ou habilidade para abordar o assunto. Quanto à informação sobre o tema, verificou-se haver uma baixa percepção sobre o risco associado às drogas lícitas. Perante estes resultados, sugere-se que os programas de prevenção destinados ao ambiente escolar sejam revistos e tenham a participação de profissionais especializados.

In Brazil, although teachers are considered potential agents for prevention of drug use, school-based prevention programs have not achieved the expected results over a period of more than two decades. Aiming to help in identifying the origin of the problem, teachers' perceptions and attitudes regarding this issue were evaluated. Twenty elementary and high school teachers in the city of São Paulo participated in this study, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with them. Although these professionals recognized that they were opinion formers, they did not consider that they had sufficient skills to deal with this topic among their students, because of lack of information, interest or ability to deal with it. Regarding the information on this topic, it was found that there was low perception of risks associated with legal drugs. Given these results, it is suggested that school-based prevention programs should be reviewed and should involve participation by specialized professionals.

En Brasil, pese a que los profesores se consideran como agentes potenciales para la prevención del uso de drogas, hace más de 20 años los programas escolares de prevención no han alcanzado los resultados esperados. Con la intención de auxiliar la identificación del origen del problema se evaluaron las percepciones/actitudes de profesores de la enseñanza fundamental y media de la ciudad brasileña de São Paulo con los cuales se realizaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas. Aunque estos profesionales se reconozcan como formadores de opinión, no se consideran suficientemente habilitados para tratar el tema con sus alumnos, ya por su falta de información, interés o habilidad para afrontar el asunto. En cuanto a la información sobre el tema se ha verificado baja percepción, del riesgo asociado a las drogas lícitas. Antes tales resultados se sugiere que los programas de prevención destinados al ambiente escolar se revisen con la participaciónde profesionales especializados.

Fatores associados ao uso pesado de álcool entre estudantes das capitais brasileiras / Factors associated with heavy alcohol use among students in Brazilian capitals

Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre o uso pesado de álcool entre estudantes e os fatores familiares, pessoais e sociais. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com estudantes de dez a 18 anos de escolas públicas de 27 capitais brasileiras, em 2004. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário anônimo, de autopreenchimento, adaptado de instrumento desenvolvido pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. A amostra representativa, composta por 48.155 estudantes, foi estratificada por setores censitários e por conglomerados (escolas). Associações entre o uso pesado de álcool e os fatores estudados foram analisadas por meio de regressão logística, considerando nível de significância de 5 por cento. Resultados: Do total de estudantes, 4.286 (8,9 por cento) fizeram uso pesado de álcool no mês anterior à entrevista. A análise por regressão logística mostrou associação entre relações ruins ou regulares com pai (OR=1,46) e mãe (OR=1,61) e uso pesado de álcool. Seguir uma religião (OR=0,83) mostrou-se inversamente associado a este tipo de consumo de álcool. A prática de esportes e o fato de a mãe se percebida como liberal não mostraram significância no modelo. Houve maior prevalência de uso pesado de álcool entre os estudantes que trabalhavam. Conclusões: Ligações familiares mais coesas e seguir uma religião podem prevenir o uso abusivo de álcool entre estudantes.

Recreational use of benzydamine as a hallucinogen among street youth in Brazil / Uso recreacional de benzidamina como alucinógeno entre adolescentes em situação de rua no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To describe the recreational use of benzydamine, an anti-inflammatory drug, among street youth in Brazil. METHOD: Design: a descriptive, cross sectional survey. Setting: 93 welfare services for the street youth in 27 Brazilian capitals. Participants: 2807 street youth, 10 to 18 years old. Main outcome measures: demographic characteristics, drug use pattern (lifetime use, use in the past 30 days, frequency, and characteristics of use in the past month) and effects of benzydamine through the use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: 78 reported lifetime recreational benzydamine use (67 cases identified only in three capitals). Among the 30 respondents reporting drug use in the last month (the month preceding the survey), 66.7 percent (n = 20) used the drug on 4 or more days (in the month preceding the survey). The most frequently (50 percent) pleasure effects reported were hallucination and nonspecific sensory changes described as "trips". Unwanted effects were reported by 75 percent of respondents, they were especially nausea and vomiting (21.4 percent). In the majority of the cases, drug was obtained from drugstores without a medical prescription. CONCLUSION: This study identifies the recreational use of benzydamine among street youth, mainly in the Northeast of Brazil, and also indicates the need for special controls on the dispensation of this substance.

OBJETIVO: Descrever o uso recreacional de benzidamina, um medicamento antiinflamatório, entre adolescentes em situação de rua no Brasil. MÉTODO: Desenho: descritivo, transversal. Local: 93 instituições assistenciais para crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua nas 27 capitais do Brasil. Participantes: 2.807 crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua, com idade entre 10 e 18 anos. Principais medidas de interesse: características demográficas, padrão de uso (uso na vida, uso nos últimos 30 dias, frequência e características de uso no mês anterior à pesquisa) e efeitos da benzidamina usando um questionário. RESULTADOS: 78 relataram uso recreacional na vida de benzidamina (67 casos identificados somente em três capitais). Entre os 30 entrevistados que relataram uso recente da substância (no mês que precedia a investigação), 66,7 por cento (n = 20) tomaram o medicamento em quatro dias ou mais no mês. Os efeitos desejados mais frequentemente reportados foram alucinações e alterações sensoriais inespecíficas como "viagem" (50 por cento). Efeitos indesejados foram citados por 75 por cento dos entrevistados, principalmente náuseas e vômitos (21,4 por cento). Na maioria dos casos, o medicamento foi obtido de drogarias sem apresentação de prescrição médica. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados observados neste estudo identificam o uso recreacional de benzidamina entre crianças e adolescentes em situação de rua, especialmente no Nordeste do Brasil, e indicam a necessidade de controle especial sobre a dispensação desta substância.