Sustancias psicoactivas y embarazo. Estudio en una población hospitalaria de Uruguay / Psychoactive substances and pregnancy. Study of a hospital population n Uruguay

Objetivo. El estudio tuvo como objetivoexplorar la presencia del consumo de drogas legalese ilegales en las embarazadas atendidas en los doshospitales públicos de mayor consulta obstétrica deMontevideo (Uruguay).Material y métodos. Para el logro de este objetivose consideró el examen de laboratorio del meconiode los recién nacidos. La determinación del consumode alcohol se realizó por la determinación de losésteres etílicos de ácidos grasos (FAEES). En el restode las drogas se utilizó el método de ELISA.Resultados. Las pruebas sobre meconio indicaronque el consumo en el embarazo fue de 44,0% de alcohol,51,8% de tabaco, 8,3% de anfetaminas, 2,5%de cocaína/pasta base y 2% de marihuana. Informacióncomplementaria fue recolectada por una encuestaa la madre relacionada con los controles médicosdurante el embarazo. Se halló que un 8,9% delas madres no tuvieron control prenatal. Por otraparte, desde el sistema de salud, se encontró que el34% de los médicos que controlaron el embarazoadvirtió a las gestantes sobre los riesgos del hábitode fumar, el 27% lo hizo en relación al consumo dealcohol y un 7% sobre el uso de drogas ilegales.Conclusiones. El estudio pone de manifiesto queel consumo de alcohol, tabaco y drogas es frecuenteentre las mujeres embarazadas de Uruguay, y quese precisan intervenciones especificas en este colectivopara alertar de los riesgos del consumo de sustanciasen el embarazo

Objective. The objective of this studywas to explore legal and illegal drugs in pregnantwomen at two of the main obstetric public hospitalsin Montevideo (Uruguay).Material and methods. To perform this objectivethe exams in the meconium were used. Fatty acidethyl esters (FAEES) were used to determine alcoholconsumption in the mother. For other drugs it wasELISA tests.Results. Meconium tests indicated that alcoholconsumption during pregnancy was 44.0%, tobacco51.8%, 2.5% for cocaine/base paste, 8.3% for amphetaminesand 2% for marihuana. There was more mother information from a survey carried out at medical controls during pregnancy. The results of this said survey was that 8.9% of those mothers did not have any pregnancy control. Also that 34% of the medical doctors that controlled the mothers aware them on the smoking tobacco risks, about alcohol consumption 27% and 7.8% on illegal drugsuse.Conclusions. The present study shows that alcohol,tobacco and illicit drugs are frequently consumedby pregnant women in Uruguay, and urge forthe development of specific actions at this level

[Social drinking and adolescent parties]. / Bebida social y fiesta de adolescentes.

A study carried out with 250 young students showed how much alcohol is socially accepted during young people parties. Significant differences were observed according to kind of alcoholic beverage, specially greater alcohol consumption of those of less alcoholic graduation.

Bebida social y fiesta de adolescentes. / [Social drinking and adolescent parties]

A study carried out with 250 young students showed how much alcohol is socially accepted during young people parties. Significant differences were observed according to kind of alcoholic beverage, specially greater alcohol consumption of those of less alcoholic graduation.

[Patterns of drug abuse among youngsters of upper social class]. / Patrones del uso de drogas en jóvenes de clase alta.

Street drug use, and alcohol abuse among young adults from a high social class range were studied in the posh seaside resort of Punta del Este (Uruguay) during the (austral) summer vacation (February 1993). In this connection, an anthropological methodology was applied: Four young people were trained in systematic record and observation technics abilities. Results suggest two clearly defined social-cultural patterns with regard to both cannabis, and cocaine use. Both patterns take place within a social environment agreeable to drug use as well as strongly connected with social interaction ways peculiar to high-class youth.

[Psychoactive substance abuse. Basis for a regional epidemiologic surveillance system]. / Abuso de sustancias psicoactivas. Bases para un sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica regional.

A profile of alcohol and drug abusers in many a Latin American country features large groups with no or insufficient access to health services. In the light of such a situation, health resources should focus their efforts on addressing the effects instead of the causes of the problem. Both developing and strengthening local health systems should be a part of the overall effort. Every regional epidemiologic surveillance system must be decentralized, taking into account social participation, local limitations, as well as health personnel training. Placing an emphasis on research as an instrument for action is crucial for Latin America.

Abuso de sustancias psicoactivas. Bases para un sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica regional. / [Psychoactive substance abuse. Basis for a regional epidemiologic surveillance system]

A profile of alcohol and drug abusers in many a Latin American country features large groups with no or insufficient access to health services. In the light of such a situation, health resources should focus their efforts on addressing the effects instead of the causes of the problem. Both developing and strengthening local health systems should be a part of the overall effort. Every regional epidemiologic surveillance system must be decentralized, taking into account social participation, local limitations, as well as health personnel training. Placing an emphasis on research as an instrument for action is crucial for Latin America.

Patrones del uso de drogas en jóvenes de clase alta. / [Patterns of drug abuse among youngsters of upper social class]

Street drug use, and alcohol abuse among young adults from a high social class range were studied in the posh seaside resort of Punta del Este (Uruguay) during the (austral) summer vacation (February 1993). In this connection, an anthropological methodology was applied: Four young people were trained in systematic record and observation technics abilities. Results suggest two clearly defined social-cultural patterns with regard to both cannabis, and cocaine use. Both patterns take place within a social environment agreeable to drug use as well as strongly connected with social interaction ways peculiar to high-class youth.

[Epidemiology of alcohol and drug abuse in Paraguay]. / Epidemiología del abuso del alcohol y las drogas en el Paraguay.

The results of a prevalence study on use- and abuse- of psychoactive substances, among a population aged 12 to 45 in Paraguay are presented. Presence of the depressive syndrome as well as attitudes and beliefs related to the use of psychoactive substances were also investigated. A bilingual questionnaire was drafted--i.e. a Spanish version and a Guarani version due to the Paraguayans' bilingual characteristic--that yielded acceptable validity and reliability levels. A stratified random sample was applied, with a total of 2,504 questionnaires filled out. Weighted data are shown here as studied by sex, age-group, socio-economic level, and presence of the depressive syndrome. Substance/alcohol use patterns were found out to be widely tolerant about abusing legal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and psychotropic drugs. As regards illicit substances use, inhalants head the list followed by marijuana at a close range.

Epidemiología del abuso del alcohol y las drogas en el Paraguay. / [Epidemiology of alcohol and drug abuse in Paraguay]

The results of a prevalence study on use- and abuse- of psychoactive substances, among a population aged 12 to 45 in Paraguay are presented. Presence of the depressive syndrome as well as attitudes and beliefs related to the use of psychoactive substances were also investigated. A bilingual questionnaire was drafted--i.e. a Spanish version and a Guarani version due to the Paraguayans bilingual characteristic--that yielded acceptable validity and reliability levels. A stratified random sample was applied, with a total of 2,504 questionnaires filled out. Weighted data are shown here as studied by sex, age-group, socio-economic level, and presence of the depressive syndrome. Substance/alcohol use patterns were found out to be widely tolerant about abusing legal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and psychotropic drugs. As regards illicit substances use, inhalants head the list followed by marijuana at a close range.

Epidemiología del abuso del alcohol y las drogas en el Paraguay. / [Epidemiology of alcohol and drug abuse in Paraguay]

The results of a prevalence study on use- and abuse- of psychoactive substances, among a population aged 12 to 45 in Paraguay are presented. Presence of the depressive syndrome as well as attitudes and beliefs related to the use of psychoactive substances were also investigated. A bilingual questionnaire was drafted--i.e. a Spanish version and a Guarani version due to the Paraguayans bilingual characteristic--that yielded acceptable validity and reliability levels. A stratified random sample was applied, with a total of 2,504 questionnaires filled out. Weighted data are shown here as studied by sex, age-group, socio-economic level, and presence of the depressive syndrome. Substance/alcohol use patterns were found out to be widely tolerant about abusing legal substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and psychotropic drugs. As regards illicit substances use, inhalants head the list followed by marijuana at a close range.

[Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and drug dependence]. / Virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y farmacodependencia.

A research has been carried out at several centers for the treatment of drug abusers in Argentina, during the year 1989. Questions related to HIV infection were included among the topics under study. A questionnaire was filled out by 659 patients from both State-run, and private rehabilitation centers. 13.7% of the patients informed that they were HIV-infected, a percentage that reached 21% among shot injected drug abusers. An inquiry about prevention and care strategies (if any) these abusers resorted to, as far as the avoidance of HIV transmission to other people was concerned, revealed a tremendous lack of information. Thus, the major differences between HIV-infected, or non-infected substance abusers referred only to the kind of abused substance, and addiction consequences. Infected patients feature a higher cocaine consumption, higher overdose problems, accidents, and police taking them into custody.

Virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y farmacodependencia. / [Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and drug dependence]

A research has been carried out at several centers for the treatment of drug abusers in Argentina, during the year 1989. Questions related to HIV infection were included among the topics under study. A questionnaire was filled out by 659 patients from both State-run, and private rehabilitation centers. 13.7

of the patients informed that they were HIV-infected, a percentage that reached 21

among shot injected drug abusers. An inquiry about prevention and care strategies (if any) these abusers resorted to, as far as the avoidance of HIV transmission to other people was concerned, revealed a tremendous lack of information. Thus, the major differences between HIV-infected, or non-infected substance abusers referred only to the kind of abused substance, and addiction consequences. Infected patients feature a higher cocaine consumption, higher overdose problems, accidents, and police taking them into custody.

Virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y farmacodependencia. / [Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and drug dependence]

A research has been carried out at several centers for the treatment of drug abusers in Argentina, during the year 1989. Questions related to HIV infection were included among the topics under study. A questionnaire was filled out by 659 patients from both State-run, and private rehabilitation centers. 13.7

of the patients informed that they were HIV-infected, a percentage that reached 21

among shot injected drug abusers. An inquiry about prevention and care strategies (if any) these abusers resorted to, as far as the avoidance of HIV transmission to other people was concerned, revealed a tremendous lack of information. Thus, the major differences between HIV-infected, or non-infected substance abusers referred only to the kind of abused substance, and addiction consequences. Infected patients feature a higher cocaine consumption, higher overdose problems, accidents, and police taking them into custody.

Obtaining epidemiologic information on the improper use of psychoactive substances: strategies applied in Argentina.

In seeking epidemiologic information on the improper use of psychoactive substances it makes good sense to take advantage of available institutional resources, especially in situations where more usual research resources are in short supply or altogether lacking. This article describes several studies that availed themselves of institutional resources in Argentina for the purpose of obtaining this type of information. One of these was carried out by personnel at several rehabilitation centers dealing with problems related to improper use of psychoactive substances; another obtained information from physicians and auxiliary personnel providing emergency treatment at three general hospitals; and another used the facilities of labor organizations to investigate workers' problems. All in all, these projects show how innovative approaches can help to obtain key substance abuse information; they could also serve as worthwhile models for those interested in carrying out similar work with limited resources.

[Epidemiologic information on the improper use of psychoactive substances. Some strategies applied in Argentina]. / Información epidemiológica sobre el uso indebido de sustancias psicoactivas. Algunas estrategias aplicadas en la Argentina.

In seeking epidemiologic information on the improper use of psychoactive substances it makes good sense to take advantage of available institutional resources, especially in situations where more usual research resources are in short supply or altogether lacking. This article describes several studies that availed themselves of institutional resources in Argentina for the purpose of obtaining this type of information. One of these was carried out by personnel at several rehabilitation centers dealing with problems related to improper use of psychoactive substances; another obtained information from physicians and auxiliary personnel providing emergency treatment at three general hospitals; and another used the facilities of labor organizations to investigate workers' problems. All in all, these projects show how innovative approaches can help to obtain key substance abuse information; they could also serve as worthwhile models for those interested in carrying out similar work with limited resources.

[Emergency consultations for abuse of psychoactive substances in Buenos Aires hospitals]. / Consultas de urgencia por abuso de sustancias psicoactivas en hospitales de Buenos Aires.

Emergency consultations connected with psychoactive substance abuse may reflect the particular nature and the magnitude of this problem in a community. A survey of three Buenos Aires hospitals revealed that 5% of all the cases attended during a single week were related to the consumption of alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, or psychoactive drugs, either separately or in combination. Lack of formal education, unemployment, and marital separation were important factors in substance abuse by males (especially in the case of alcohol abuse among older men and the abuse of psychoactive and illegal drugs among the young), while women tended to take overdoses of psychoactive drugs in times of personal crisis. Cultural tolerance of alcoholism and the availability of psychoactive drugs emerged as problems requiring specific study. The research method generated reliable data and could be used to obtain epidemiological information to support the necessary control measures.

[The culture of the guaro]. / Apuntes sobre la cultura del guaro.

The ways a given society envisions the 'relationship' with drinking stem out of historical and social processes which, in everyday life, set up the rules for drinking by means of behavioral patterns. In Costa Rica, 'guaro' (a sugar-cane alcohol) stands for 'any kind of drinking alcohol' and its so-called culture comprehends every belief and action that rule up the relationship with alcohol drinking. The present study constitutes a first approach aiming at analyzing this culture among different Costa Rican social groups such as Indian communities, peasantry, field hands, employees, and marginal urban classes as well. Two cultural patterns could be detected. One, where emphasis is put on social integration, another where escaping from reality is a must. Both evidence an active search towards drunkness on one hand, and the need for studying preventive means on the other hand.

Apuntes sobre la cultura del guaro. / [The culture of the guaro]

The ways a given society envisions the relationship with drinking stem out of historical and social processes which, in everyday life, set up the rules for drinking by means of behavioral patterns. In Costa Rica, guaro (a sugar-cane alcohol) stands for any kind of drinking alcohol and its so-called culture comprehends every belief and action that rule up the relationship with alcohol drinking. The present study constitutes a first approach aiming at analyzing this culture among different Costa Rican social groups such as Indian communities, peasantry, field hands, employees, and marginal urban classes as well. Two cultural patterns could be detected. One, where emphasis is put on social integration, another where escaping from reality is a must. Both evidence an active search towards drunkness on one hand, and the need for studying preventive means on the other hand.

[Drug dependence in poverty. Its prevalence in Costa Rica]. / Fármacodependencia de la pobreza: su prevalencia en Costa Rica.

This research was carried out in the shantytowns of the capital city of Costa Rica. Magnitude and main features of alcohol and drug use among the population aged 15 up were studied. The sample was composed by 469 people interviewed: The instruments used were questionnaires and interview forms. Field observation was also practiced. The results pointed out a 14% of the population as having alcohol problems (9% heavy drinking, 5% physical dependence on alcohol). Furthermore an 8% was regularly using different drugs, such as marijuana, solvents, common plants psychoactively effective, etc. Frequent intake of medicaments without any therapeutic aim was also high. From a point of view focusing on the individuals and the assistance, the problem has a better prognosis when social and community treatment is considered. When seen from the collectivity and prevention perspective the problem surpasses the health sphere and demands the attention of several social and economical complex factors. This is the only way to set up a prevention program well organized, systematical and with possibilities of success. Finally, it is stated that the development of new studies on the ecology of the problem will precisely permit the working out of a preventive-assisting program especially directed to the groups specifically affected or menaced by alcohol and drugs.

Fármacodependencia de la pobreza: su prevalencia en Costa Rica. / [Drug dependence in poverty. Its prevalence in Costa Rica]

This research was carried out in the shantytowns of the capital city of Costa Rica. Magnitude and main features of alcohol and drug use among the population aged 15 up were studied. The sample was composed by 469 people interviewed: The instruments used were questionnaires and interview forms. Field observation was also practiced. The results pointed out a 14

of the population as having alcohol problems (9

heavy drinking, 5

physical dependence on alcohol). Furthermore an 8

was regularly using different drugs, such as marijuana, solvents, common plants psychoactively effective, etc. Frequent intake of medicaments without any therapeutic aim was also high. From a point of view focusing on the individuals and the assistance, the problem has a better prognosis when social and community treatment is considered. When seen from the collectivity and prevention perspective the problem surpasses the health sphere and demands the attention of several social and economical complex factors. This is the only way to set up a prevention program well organized, systematical and with possibilities of success. Finally, it is stated that the development of new studies on the ecology of the problem will precisely permit the working out of a preventive-assisting program especially directed to the groups specifically affected or menaced by alcohol and drugs.