Underage Problem Gambling: With Whom, Where and Why

BACKGROUND: Underage gambling is a widespread phenomenon with its own characteristics that differentiate it from adult gambling. In addition, problem gambling has shown a remarkable prevalence in previous studies. The present study examines underage gambling behaviour, studying its characteristics, as well as motivational and contextual aspects, and estimating the volume of problem gambling and possible moderating variables. METHOD: A sample of 9,681 students aged between 12 and 17 years old reported their involvement in gambling and filled in the Brief Adolescent Gambling Screen (BAGS), with 4,617 of them completing a questionnaire about gambling behaviours. RESULTS: Almost a quarter (23.5%) of the students reported having gambled in their lifetime (16.2% in-person, 1.4% online and 6% in both modalities), and 1.9% presented symptoms of problem gambling (BAGS ≥ 4). In-person gamblers preferred sport-betting machines, usually gambled in bars, and did not have their age checked. Online gamblers reported mainly sports betting, doing so on websites and paying with PayPal-like services and credit cards. Most gambled with friends and to win money. Problem gamblers were similar but gambled more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: These results present an image of the gambling situation among minors and, more importantly, of its context and related variables.

El uso de la cachimba entre los adolescentes. Posibles implicaciones y variables asociadas / Waterpipe use among adolescents. Possible implications and related variables

El consumo de sustancias en cachimba (generalmente tabaco o cannabis) constituye una práctica cada vez más popular, hasta el punto de convertirse ya en un problema de salud pública emergente, con serias consecuencias tanto a nivel pulmonar, como adictivo. A pesar de la creciente preocupación que suscita, son pocos los trabajos llevados a cabo en España que se hayan ocupado de analizar esta nueva práctica desde edades tempranas. El objetivo de este trabajo no sólo es disponer de nuevos datos acerca del uso de la cachimba entre los adolescentes, sino también analizar sus posibles implicaciones y variables asociadas. Para ello, se realizó una encuesta entre estudiantes de enseñanza secundaria de la comunidad gallega. Participaron 7.613 estudiantes de 12 a 18 años (M = 14,97; DT = 1,69). Se utilizó el CRAFFT, el AUDIT y el CAST para el cribado de consumos de riesgo. Las tasas de consumo de tabaco y de cannabis en cachimba se sitúan en niveles preocupantes (19,4% y 8,5%, respectivamente, para el último año), con tasas significativamente mayores de consumos de riesgo, de borracheras y binge drinking. Llama también la atención la baja percepción de riesgo existente. El uso de la cachimba constituye una práctica relativamente extendida en la adolescencia, que además de serias implicaciones para la salud, constituye un claro indicador de un patrón de consumo subyacente realmente problemático. La escasa percepción de riesgo, la práctica del botellón o la falta de normas familiares son elementos a tener en cuenta a nivel de prevención comunitaria. (AU)

Substance use in waterpipe (generally tobacco or cannabis) constitutes an increasingly popular practice. It has become an emerging public health problem, with serious consequences at both pulmonary and addiction levels. Despite the growing concern it raises, few studies have been carried out in Spain to analyze this new practice from an early age. The aim of this study is to have new data about waterpipe use among adolescents and to analyze its possible implications and related variables. A survey was conducted among secondary school students from the Galician community. A total of 7,613 students aged 12-18 years (M = 14.97; SD = 1.69) participated. The CRAFFT, the AUDIT and the CAST were used to screen the risky use of other substances. The rates of waterpipe tobacco and cannabis use are at worrying levels (19.4% and 8.5%, respectively, for the last year), with significantly higher rates of risky substance use, drunkenness and binge drinking. The low perception risk is striking. Waterpipe use is a widespread practice in adolescence. In addition to serious health implications, is a clear indicator of a problematic underlying consumption. The low perception of risk, the “botellón” or the lack of family control are elements to take into account in community prevention. (AU)

Underage Problem Gambling: With Whom, Where and Why / El Juego de Azar Problemático en Menores de Edad: Con Quién, Dónde y Por Qué

Background: Underage gambling is a widespread phenomenon with its own characteristics that differentiate it fromadult gambling. In addition, problem gambling has shown a remarkable prevalence in previous studies. The presentstudy examines underage gambling behaviour, studying its characteristics, as well as motivational and contextualaspects, and estimating the volume of problem gambling and possible moderating variables. Method: A sample of 9,681students aged between 12 and 17 years old reported their involvement in gambling and filled in the Brief AdolescentGambling Screen (BAGS), with 4,617 of them completing a questionnaire about gambling behaviours. Results:Almost a quarter (23.5%) of the students reported having gambled in their lifetime (16.2% in-person, 1.4% online and6% in both modalities), and 1.9% presented symptoms of problem gambling (BAGS ≥ 4). In-person gamblers preferredsport-betting machines, usually gambled in bars, and did not have their age checked. Online gamblers reported mainlysports betting, doing so on websites and paying with PayPal-like services and credit cards. Most gambled with friendsand to win money. Problem gamblers were similar but gambled more frequently. Conclusions: These results present animage of the gambling situation among minors and, more importantly, of its context and related variables.(AU)

Antecedentes: La participación de menores de edad en juegos de azar es un fenómeno extendido con característicasdiferenciales respecto a las personas adultas y muestra una elevada prevalencia. El presente estudio examina la conductade juego en menores, estudiando sus características, aspectos motivacionales y contextuales, el volumen de juegoproblemático y las posibles variables moderadoras. Método: La muestra está compuesta por 9.681 estudiantes de 12 a17 años que cumplimentaron el Brief Adolescent Gambling Screen (BAGS), 4.617 adolescentes completaron ademásun cuestionario sobre hábitos. Resultados: El 23,5% ha apostado alguna vez en su vida (presencial: 16,2%; online:1,4%; ambas: 6%) y el 1,9% presenta síntomas de juego problemático (BAGS≥4). Quienes juegan presencialmenteprefieren las máquinas de apuestas deportivas; suelen apostar en bares y generalmente sin acreditar su edad. Quienesjuegan online principalmente hacen apuestas deportivas, a través de páginas web y pagan con servicios tipo PayPal ytarjetas de crédito. Suelen apostar con amigos y para ganar dinero, aunque mayoritariamente reconocen que es pocoprobable que esto llegue a ocurrir. Los/as jugadores/as problemáticos muestran características similares, pero apuestancon mayor frecuencia. Conclusiones: Estos resultados muestran la situación del juego en menores y permite determinarsus variables contextuales relacionadas.(AU)

Hábitos de juego y síntomas de adicción a los videojuegos en adolescentes españoles / Gambling habits and symptoms of video game addiction in Spanish adolescents

El trastorno por uso de videojuegos ha recibido mayor atención desde su inclusión en la CIE-11. Sin embargo, apenas hay investigación en menores de edad en el contexto español. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo de explorar los hábitos de uso de videojuegos y la sintomatología del trastorno por uso de videojuegos en esta población, así como analizar la relación entre ambos. Los hábitos fueron evaluados como la frecuencia y las horas semanales jugadas y la “Escala de adicción al juego para adolescentes” (GASA) fue aplicada a una muestra de 3748 estudiantes de entre 12 y 17 años. Los resultados mostraron que el 13,5% presentaba síntomas de juego problemático y el 3,3% una posible adicción a los videojuegos. También fue encontrada una relación entre los hábitos de juego y la presencia de síntomas de adicción. Estos resultados se comparan con los de otros estudios y se pone de manifiesto la heterogeneidad de datos disponibles en este ámbito. Además, se discuten las implicaciones de los resultados para posibles acciones preventivas llevadas a cabo por desarrolladores y familias. (AU)

Gaming disorder has been receiving increased attention since its inclusion in the ICD-11. However, there are still few studies on minors in the Spanish context. The present study aimed to explore the gaming habits and symptomatology of gaming disorder in this population, as well as analyzing the relationship between both. Gaming habits were assessed such as frequency and weekly hours played and the Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents was applied to a sample of 3748 students between 12 and 17 years old. It was found that 13.5% presented symptoms of problematic gaming and 3.3% a possible video game addiction. There was also a relationship between gambling habits and the presence of addiction symptoms. These results are compared to other studies and the heterogeneity of data available in the field is highlighted. Additionally, the implications of the results for preventive actions carried out by developers and families are discussed. (AU)

Waterpipe use among adolescents. Possible implications and related variables. / El uso de la cachimba entre los adolescentes. Posibles implicaciones y variables asociadas.

Substance use in waterpipe (generally tobacco or cannabis) constitutes an increasingly popular practice. It has become an emerging public health problem, with serious consequences at both pulmonary and addiction levels. Despite the growing concern it raises, few studies have been carried out in Spain to analyze this new practice from an early age. The aim of this study is to have new data about waterpipe use among adolescents and to analyze its possible implications and related variables. A survey was conducted among secondary school students from the Galician community. A total of 7,613 students aged 12-18 years (M = 14.97; SD = 1.69) participated. The CRAFFT, the AUDIT and the CAST were used to screen the risky use of other substances. The rates of waterpipe tobacco and cannabis use are at worrying levels (19.4% and 8.5%, respectively, for the last year), with significantly higher rates of risky substance use, drunkenness and binge drinking. The low perception risk is striking. Waterpipe use is a widespread practice in adolescence. In addition to serious health implications, is a clear indicator of a problematic underlying consumption. The low perception of risk, the "botellón" or the lack of family control are elements to take into account in community prevention.

El consumo de sustancias en cachimba (generalmente tabaco o cannabis) constituye una práctica cada vez más popular, hasta el punto de convertirse ya en un problema de salud pública emergente, con serias consecuencias tanto a nivel pulmonar, como adictivo. A pesar de la creciente preocupación que suscita, son pocos los trabajos llevados a cabo en España que se hayan ocupado de analizar esta nueva práctica desde edades tempranas. El objetivo de este trabajo no sólo es disponer de nuevos datos acerca del uso de la cachimba entre los adolescentes, sino también analizar sus posibles implicaciones y variables asociadas. Para ello, se realizó una encuesta entre estudiantes de enseñanza secundaria de la comunidad gallega. Participaron 7.613 estudiantes de 12 a 18 años (M = 14,97; DT = 1,69). Se utilizó el CRAFFT, el AUDIT y el CAST para el cribado de consumos de riesgo. Las tasas de consumo de tabaco y de cannabis en cachimba se sitúan en niveles preocupantes (19,4% y 8,5%, respectivamente, para el último año), con tasas significativamente mayores de consumos de riesgo, de borracheras y binge drinking. Llama también la atención la baja percepción de riesgo existente. El uso de la cachimba constituye una práctica relativamente extendida en la adolescencia, que además de serias implicaciones para la salud, constituye un claro indicador de un patrón de consumo subyacente realmente problemático. La escasa percepción de riesgo, la práctica del botellón o la falta de normas familiares son elementos a tener en cuenta a nivel de prevención comunitaria.

Sex Differences in Adolescent Bullying Behaviours / Las diferencias de sexo en las conductas de acoso de los adolescentes

In recent decades there has been a progressive increase in concern and research into the problems of peer aggression, both in the educational setting and more recently, online. The present study sought to explore sex differences in traditional bullying and cyberbullying, since current literature has not reached a consensus in how bullying involvement could be moderated by sex. The sample consisted of 3,174 adolescents aged 12-17 years old who completed a paper survey which included the European Bullying Intervention Project Questionnaire and the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire. The main results found no differences in cyberbullying rates for boys and girls. In the case of bullying, there were more bully-victims among the boys, but no differences were found in the pure victims or pure perpetrators. When analysing the specific bullying behaviours suffered or perpetrated, several differences were found. However, said differences were discrete and it seems that there are not distinctly differentiated bullying patterns, which discourages the use of clearly differentiated preventive strategies for boys and girls. (AU)

En las últimas décadas ha ido creciendo la preocupación por las agresiones entre iguales y su investigación, tanto en el propio entorno escolar como, más recientemente, a través de la red. El presente estudio se planteó con el objetivo de explorar las diferencias de sexo tanto en el acoso tradicional como en el ciberacoso, pues la bibliografía existente no llega a un consenso sobre la forma en que la implicación en el acoso puede estar siendo moderada por el sexo o el género. La muestra constó de 3,174 adolescentes de 12 a 17 años que cumplimentaron por escrito una encuesta que incluía el European Bullying Intervention Project Questionnaire y el European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire. Los principales resultados no mostraron diferencias en las tasas de ciberacoso de chicas y chicos. Respecto al acoso tradicional, aunque se han hallado más víctimas-agresoras en los chicos, no se han encontrado diferencias en la tasa de víctimas y agresores puros. Al analizar las conductas específicas sufridas o perpetradas, se encontraron varias diferencias entre chicas y chicos. Sin embargo, esas diferencias eran pequeñas y no parece que haya un patrón de acoso claramente diferenciado, lo que desaconseja emplear estrategias preventivas claramente diferenciadas para chicas y para chicos. (AU)

Minors and Online Gambling: Prevalence and Related Variables.

Substantial access to the Internet by minors has brought about consequences that are not always positive. The increase of online gambling or betting is one of those. Although in most cases online gambling by minors does not result in a disorder, it does imply a higher probability of developing a gambling disorder in adulthood, and it can cause economic, family, school and social problems. The aim of this study, carried out in the Galician region of Spain with a sample of 3772 students aged between 12 and 17 years, was to estimate the prevalence of online gambling in minors; to characterize the profile of online gamblers; to explore the differences in Internet and smartphone usage habits, online risky practices, problematic Internet use and parental involvement between online gamblers and non-online gamblers; and to analyse the relation between online gambling and academic performance. The results revealed that 6.5% of Galician adolescents are online gamblers, a figure that has more than tripled over seven years. 9 out of 10 online gamblers are male, and their mean age is 15. Online gamblers had significantly higher rates of problematic Internet use, active sexting, cyberbullying, or contacting strangers through the Internet. Furthermore, online gamblers had higher scores on impulsiveness, lower scores on assertiveness, and were lacking parental control. These data show that online gambling is not an isolated problem, so prevention should be understood in a comprehensive manner.

Empirical validation of the CRAFFT Abuse Screening Test in a Spanish sample. / Validación empírica del CRAFFT Abuse Screening Test en una muestra de adolescentes españoles.

The CRAFFT Substance Abuse Screening Instrument, developed by the Center for Adolescents Substance Abuse Research (CeASAR) (Knight et al., 1999), is a screening tool for high-risk alcohol and drug risk consumption designed for use with adolescents. Since its publication it has been the subject of translations and validations in different countries, populations and contexts that have demonstrated its enormous potential. However, there is still no empirical validation study that would ensure its good psychometric performance in Spain. The aim of this paper is to develop an adapted version of the CRAFFT in Spanish and to analyze its psychometric properties in a sample of Spanish adolescents. For this purpose an individual interview was conducted on 312 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years of age (M = 15.01; SD = 1.83) from the Galician community. The interview included a part of the Adolescent Diagnostic Interview (ADI) and the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT). The results obtained, similar to those found in other countries, allow us to report that the Spanish version of the CRAFFT has a good psychometric behaviorproperties. It was found to have a satisfactory internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha value of .74. In terms of sensitivity and specificity, values of 74.4% and 96.4% respectively, were obtained and the area under the ROC curve was .946. The Spanish version of the CRAFFT is made available to researchers and professionals in the field of addictive behaviors, so that it can be used with the necessary psychometric guarantees.

El CRAFFT Abuse Screening Test, desarrollado por el Center for Adolescents Substance Abuse Research (CeASAR) (Knight et al., 1999), es una herramienta de cribado del consumo de riesgo de alcohol y otras sustancias diseñada para su uso con adolescentes. Desde su publicación ha sido objeto de numerosas traducciones y validaciones en diferentes países, poblaciones y contextos que han dado cuenta de su enorme potencial. No obstante, seguimos sin disponer de estudios de validación empírica que garanticen su adecuado comportamiento psicométrico en España. El objetivo del presente trabajo consiste en desarrollar una versión adaptada del CRAFFT en castellano y analizar sus propiedades psicométricas en una muestra de adolescentes españoles. Para ello, se realizó una entrevista individual a 312 adolescentes de entre 12 y 18 años (M = 15,01; DT = 1,83) de la comunidad gallega, que incluyó una parte de la Adolescent Diagnostic Interview (ADI) y del Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT). Los resultados obtenidos, similares a los encontrados en otros países, permiten informar que la versión española del CRAFFT presenta un buen comportamiento psicométrico. A nivel de consistencia interna se obtuvo un a de Cronbach satisfactorio de ,74. En cuanto a la sensibilidad y especificidad se obtuvieron unos valores del 74,4% y el 96,4% respectivamente, con un área bajo la curva COR de ,946. Por lo tanto, queda a disposición de investigadores y profesionales del ámbito de las conductas adictivas la versión española del CRAFFT, para que pueda ser utilizada en adelante con las garantías psicométricas necesarias.

Validación empírica del CRAFFT Abuse Screening Test en una muestra de adolescentes españoles / Empirical validation of the CRAFFT Abuse Screening Test in a Spanish simple

El CRAFFT Abuse Screening Test, desarrollado por el Center for Adolescents Substance Abuse Research (CeASAR) (Knight et al., 1999), es una herramienta de cribado del consumo de riesgo de alcohol y otras sustancias diseñada para su uso con adolescentes. Desde su publicación ha sido objeto de numerosas traducciones y validaciones en diferentes países, poblaciones y contextos que han dado cuenta de su enorme potencial. No obstante, seguimos sin disponer de estudios de validación empírica que garanticen su adecuado comportamiento psicométrico en España. El objetivo del presente trabajo consiste en desarrollar una versión adaptada del CRAFFT en castellano y analizar sus propiedades psicométricas en una muestra de adolescentes españoles. Para ello, se realizó una entrevista individual a 312 adolescentes de entre 12 y 18 años (M = 15,01; DT = 1,83) de la comunidad gallega, que incluyó una parte de la Adolescent Diagnostic Interview (ADI) y del Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT). Los resultados obtenidos, similares a los encontrados en otros países, permiten informar que la versión española del CRAFFT presenta un buen comportamiento psicométrico. A nivel de consistencia interna se obtuvo un a de Cronbach satisfactorio de ,74. En cuanto a la sensibilidad y especificidad se obtuvieron unos valores del 74,4% y el 96,4% respectivamente, con un área bajo la curva COR de ,946. Por lo tanto, queda a disposición de investigadores y profesionales del ámbito de las conductas adictivas la versión española del CRAFFT, para que pueda ser utilizada en adelante con las garantías psicométricas necesarias

The CRAFFT Substance Abuse Screening Instrument, developed by the Center for Adolescents Substance Abuse Research (CeASAR) (Knight et al., 1999), is a screening tool for high-risk alcohol and drug risk consumption designed for use with adolescents. Since its publication it has been the subject of translations and validations in different countries, populations and contexts that have demonstrated its enormous potential. However, there is still no empirical validation study that would ensure its good psychometric performance in Spain. The aim of this paper is to develop an adapted version of the CRAFFT in Spanish and to analyze its psychometric properties in a sample of Spanish adolescents. For this purpose an individual interview was conducted on 312 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years of age (M = 15.01; SD = 1.83) from the Galician community. The interview included a part of the Adolescent Diagnostic Interview (ADI) and the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT). The results obtained, similar to those found in other countries, allow us to report that the Spanish version of the CRAFFT has a good psychometric behaviorproperties. It was found to have a satisfactory internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha value of .74. In terms of sensitivity and specificity, values of 74.4% and 96.4% respectively, were obtained and the area under the ROC curve was .946. The Spanish version of the CRAFFT is made available to researchers and professionals in the field of addictive behaviors, so that it can be used with the necessary psychometric guarantees

Psychometric validation of the POSIT for screening alcohol and other drugs risk consumption among adolescents. / Validación psicométrica del POSIT para el cribado del consumo de riesgo de alcohol y otras drogas entre adolescentes.

Early detection of alcohol and drug abuse among adolescents is decisive not only for rapid referral and intervention in cases of risk, but also as an indicator for use in the evaluation of prevention programs and public policies to reduce consumption. One of the most widely-used screening instruments in the world is the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) (Rahdert, 1991), whose substance use and abuse subscale (POSITUAS) is a brief tool of enormous applied potential. However, there is still no empirical validation study that would ensure its good psychometric performance in Spain. The aim of this paper is to analyse the psychometric properties of POSITUAS among Spanish adolescents. For this purpose, 569 students aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14.71; SD = 1.79) were personally interviewed. The study sample was selected through two-stage sampling. The results obtained, using the Adolescent Diagnostic Interview (Winters & Henly, 1993) as the gold criterion, allow us to inform that the Spanish version of the POSITUAS has excellent psychometric behaviour, both at the level of internal consistency (a  = .82) as well as regards sensitivity (94.3%) and specificity (83.9%), with an area under the ROC curve of .953. Also, the realisation of a Confirmatory Factor Analysis allows for verifying the one-dimensional character of the scale. As a result, POSITUAS is made available to researchers and professionals in the field of addictive behaviours for use with a minimum of psychometric guarantees.

La detección precoz del consumo abusivo de alcohol y otras drogas en adolescentes resulta decisiva no sólo para una derivación e intervención rápida en los casos de riesgo, sino también como un indicador a utilizar en la evaluación de los programas de prevención y en las políticas públicas de reducción del consumo. Uno de los instrumentos de screening más utilizados a nivel internacional es el Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) (Rahdert, 1991), cuya subescala de Uso y Abuso de Sustancias (POSITUAS) constituye una herramienta breve de enorme potencial aplicado. Sin embargo, en España no existe todavía ningún estudio de validación empírica que permita garantizar su adecuado funcionamiento psicométrico. El objetivo del presente trabajo consiste precisamente en analizar las propiedades psicométricas del POSITUAS en adolescentes españoles. Para ello fueron entrevistados de forma personal 569 estudiantes de entre 12 y 18 años (M = 14,71; DT = 1,79), seleccionados a partir de un muestreo bietápico. Los resultados obtenidos, utilizando la Adolescent Diagnostic Interview (Winters & Henly, 1993) como criterio, permiten informar que la versión española del POSITUAS posee un excelente comportamiento psicométrico, tanto a nivel de consistencia interna (a=,82), como de sensibilidad (94,3%) y especificidad (83,9%), con un área bajo la curva ROC de ,953. Asimismo, la realización de un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio permite constatar el carácter unidimensional de la escala. Como consecuencia se pone a disposición de investigadores y profesionales del ámbito de las conductas adictivas el POSITUAS, que puede ser utilizado en adelante con las garantías psicométricas requeridas.

Validación psicométrica del POSIT para el cribado del consumo de riesgo de alcohol y otras drogas entre adolescentes / Psychometric validation of the POSIT for screening alcohol and other drugs risk consumption among adolescents

La detección precoz del consumo abusivo de alcohol y otras drogas en adolescentes resulta decisiva no sólo para una derivación e intervención rápida en los casos de riesgo, sino también como un indicador a utilizar en la evaluación de los programas de prevención y en las políticas públicas de reducción del consumo. Uno de los instrumentos de screening más utilizados a nivel internacional es el Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) (Rahdert, 1991), cuya subescala de Uso y Abuso de Sustancias (POSITUAS) constituye una herramienta breve de enorme potencial aplicado. Sin embargo, en España no existe todavía ningún estudio de validación empírica que permita garantizar su adecuado funcionamiento psicométrico. El objetivo del presente trabajo consiste precisamente en analizar las propiedades psicométricas del POSITUAS en adolescentes españoles. Para ello fueron entrevistados de forma personal 569 estudiantes de entre 12 y 18 años (M = 14,71; DT = 1,79), seleccionados a partir de un muestreo bietápico. Los resultados obtenidos, utilizando la Adolescent Diagnostic Interview (Winters & Henly, 1993) como criterio, permiten informar que la versión española del POSITUAS posee un excelente comportamiento psicométrico, tanto a nivel de consistencia interna (a=,82), como de sensibilidad (94,3%) y especificidad (83,9%), con un área bajo la curva ROC de ,953. Asimismo, la realización de un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio permite constatar el carácter unidimensional de la escala. Como consecuencia se pone a disposición de investigadores y profesionales del ámbito de las conductas adictivas el POSITUAS, que puede ser utilizado en adelante con las garantías psicométricas requeridas

Early detection of alcohol and drug abuse among adolescents is decisive not only for rapid referral and intervention in cases of risk, but also as an indicator for use in the evaluation of prevention programs and public policies to reduce consumption. One of the most widely-used screening instruments in the world is the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) (Rahdert, 1991), whose substance use and abuse subscale (POSITUAS) is a brief tool of enormous applied potential. However, there is still no empirical validation study that would ensure its good psychometric performance in Spain. The aim of this paper is to analyse the psychometric properties of POSITUAS among Spanish adolescents. For this purpose, 569 students aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14.71; SD = 1.79) were personally interviewed. The study sample was selected through two-stage sampling. The results obtained, using the Adolescent Diagnostic Interview (Winters & Henly, 1993) as the gold criterion, allow us to inform that the Spanish version of the POSITUAS has excellent psychometric behaviour, both at the level of internal consistency (a = .82) as well as regards sensitivity (94.3%) and specificity (83.9%), with an area under the ROC curve of .953. Also, the realisation of a Confirmatory Factor Analysis allows for verifying the one-dimensional character of the scale. As a result, POSITUAS is made available to researchers and professionals in the field of addictive behaviours for use with a minimum of psychometric guarantees

Does active ageing contribute to life satisfaction for older people? Testing a new model of active ageing.

Several debates have emerged across the literature about the conceptualisation of active ageing. The aim of this study is to develop a model of the construct that is focused on the individual, including different elements of people's lives that have the potential to be modified by intervention programs. Moreover, the paper examines the contributions of active ageing to life satisfaction, as well as the possible predictive role of coping styles on active ageing. For this purpose, a representative sample of 404 Galician (Spain) community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥60 years) were interviewed using a structured survey. The results demonstrate that the proposed model composed of two broad categories is valid. The model comprises status variables (related to physical, psychological, and social health) as well as different types of activities, called processual variables. This model is tested using partial least squares (PLS) regression. The findings show that active ageing is a fourth-order, formative construct. In addition, PLS analyses indicate that active ageing has a moderate and positive path on life satisfaction and that coping styles may predict active ageing. The discussion highlights the potential of active ageing as a relevant concept for people's lives, drawing out policy implications and suggestions for further research.

The relationship between consumption of alcohol and other drugs and problematic Internet use among adolescents. / Relación entre el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas y el uso problemático de Internet en adolescentes.

Alcohol and drug use among adolescents has been causing great concern for decades in Spain and in the European Union as a whole. In addition, the technology boom experienced over the last two decades has contributed to the emergence of a new public healthcare issue: problematic Internet use. The increasing importance that both problems have been gaining in recent years has led some authors to analyze the relationship between alcohol and the consumption of other drugs alongside problematic Internet use, and to provide relevant empirical evidence. Based on a sample of 3,882 Spanish adolescents aged between 12 and 18, the results obtained confirm that there is a relationship between the consumption of alcohol (measured by the AUDIT) and other drugs (measured by the CRAFFT and the CAST), and problematic Internet use (measured by the EUPI-a). Problematic Internet users among them not only have more significant levels of substance use, but also a three-times greater chance of developing hazardous drug use (39.4% vs 13.3%). This highlights the need to develop transversal prevention capable of acting on the common variables to both issues, beyond developing programs focused on specific behaviors. In this sense, values-based education and life skills training should be given priority in prevention.

En España y en el conjunto de la Unión Europea el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas entre los adolescentes viene causando una enorme preocupación social desde hace décadas. Por otra parte, el auge tecnológico experimentado en las dos últimas décadas ha contribuido a la aparición de un nuevo problema sociosanitario: el uso problemático de Internet. El creciente protagonismo que ambos problemas han ido adquiriendo en los últimos años ha llevado a algunos autores a analizar la relación entre el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas y el uso problemático de Internet, aportando evidencias empíricas al respecto. La realización del presente trabajo, a partir de una muestra de 3882 adolescentes españoles de entre 12 y 18 años, ha permitido constatar que efectivamente existe una estrecha relación entre el consumo de alcohol (medido a través del AUDIT) y otras drogas (medido a través del CRAFFT y del CAST) y el uso problemático de Internet (medido a través del EUPI-a). No solo se han encontrado unos niveles de consumo significativamente mayores entre los usuarios problemáticos, sino que la probabilidad de desarrollar un consumo de riesgo de drogas llega a ser incluso 3 veces mayor entre éstos (39,4% vs 13,3%). Ello pone de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar una prevención transversal capaz de actuar sobre las variables comunes a ambas problemáticas, más allá de desarrollar programas centrados en conductas específicas. En este sentido, la educación en valores y habilidades de vida debieran ocupar un lugar prioritario en materia de prevención.

Screening of Problematic Internet Use Among Spanish Adolescents: Prevalence and Related Variables.

The opportunities and challenges related to Internet use continue to grow, as well as the social concern around problematic Internet use (PIU), online risky behaviors, and the intensive use of Internet, mainly among adolescents. The aim of this study was to conduct a general screening of PIU in a large sample of school-based adolescents in Spain (n = 40,955), providing updated prevalence data of PIU and different online risky practices, as well as rates of Internet and social network use. Differences between problematic and nonproblematic users were explored in terms of demographics, parental control, and motivations for using. The association between PIU and the involvement in other online risky behaviors was also analyzed, as well as the role of intensive use. The findings show that the global prevalence of PIU among Spanish adolescents is 16.3 percent although this is higher among females, those in their late teens, intensive users, and those without parental control. Logistic regression confirmed that both PIU and intensive use are risk factors for being involved in any online risky behavior. A tentative explanation could be that there is a common deficit of personal and social skills underlying PIU, intensive use, and most online risky practices. From our perspective, value-based education and life skills training are the best way to reach responsible and sensible use of Internet among adolescents. Parents, schools, institutions, and adolescents themselves are called upon to actively engage in facing this problem.

Binge drinking among adolescents: prevalence, risk practices and related variables. / Consumo intensivo de alcohol en adolescentes: prevalencia, conductas de riesgo y variables asociadas.

According to the last Survey on Drug Use among Secondary School Students (ESTUDES 2014-2015), consumption levels of alcohol and other substances have decreased in the last years in Spain. However, available data on binge drinking remain worrying, given the negative consequences related with this pattern. The aim of this paper is to analyse binge drinking among adolescents, providing updated data on prevalence in addition to information about the consequences and some predictive factors of binge drinking. A correlational method was used for this purpose, comprised of administering a survey to Compulsory Secondary School, High School and Vocational Training students. Based on a sample of 3,419 Galician adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14.57; SD = 1.76), the results show that binge drinking is a common and global practice, with few socio-demographic differences but related with a wide range of risk practices. Furthermore, variables such as consumption expectancies, consumption by family and friends, as well as curfew time and allowance money have been identified as interesting predictive factors that should be taken into account at the preventive level.

Según la última Encuesta sobre uso de drogas en Enseñanzas Secundarias (ESTUDES 2014-2015), los niveles de consumo tanto de alcohol como de otras sustancias han disminuido en España en los últimos años. No obstante, siguen siendo preocupantes los datos referidos al consumo intensivo de alcohol (CIA), sobre todo habida cuenta las graves repercusiones asociadas a este patrón. El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido analizar el consumo intensivo de alcohol entre los adolescentes, ofreciendo datos actualizados no sólo de su prevalencia, sino también de sus consecuencias y posibles factores de pronóstico. Para ello se utilizó una metodología correlacional, consistente en la realización de una encuesta a estudiantes de ESO, Bachillerato y FP de grado medio. La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 3.419 adolescentes gallegos de entre 12 y 18 años (M = 14,57; SD = 1,76). Los resultados obtenidos revelan que el CIA es una práctica frecuente y globalizada, con escasas diferencias a nivel sociodemográfico, pero asociada a un amplio abanico de conductas de riesgo. Por otra parte, variables como las expectativas de consumo, el consumo entre los pares y en el entorno familiar, así como la hora de llegada a casa o el dinero disponible han sido identificadas como interesantes factores de pronóstico que debieran ser tenidos en cuenta en el plano preventivo.

Consumo intensivo de alcohol en adolescentes: prevalencia, conductas de riesgo y variables asociadas / Binge Drinking among Adolescents: Prevalence, Risk Practices and Related Variables

Según la última Encuesta sobre uso de drogas en Enseñanzas Secundarias (ESTUDES 2014-2015), los niveles de consumo tanto de alcohol como de otras sustancias han disminuido en España en los últimos años. No obstante, siguen siendo preocupantes los datos referidos al consumo intensivo de alcohol (CIA), sobre todo habida cuenta las graves repercusiones asociadas a este patrón. El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido analizar el consumo intensivo de alcohol entre los adolescentes, ofreciendo datos actualizados no sólo de su prevalencia, sino también de sus consecuencias y posibles factores de pronóstico. Para ello se utilizó una metodología correlacional, consistente en la realización de una encuesta a estudiantes de ESO, Bachillerato y FP de grado medio. La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 3.419 adolescentes gallegos de entre 12 y 18 años (M = 14,57; SD = 1,76). Los resultados obtenidos revelan que el CIA es una práctica frecuente y globalizada, con escasas diferencias a nivel sociodemográfico, pero asociada a un amplio abanico de conductas de riesgo. Por otra parte, variables como las expectativas de consumo, el consumo entre los pares y en el entorno familiar, así como la hora de llegada a casa o el dinero disponible han sido identificadas como interesantes factores de pronóstico que debieran ser tenidos en cuenta en el plano preventivo

According to the last Survey on Drug Use among Secondary School Students (ESTUDES 2014-2015), consumption levels of alcohol and other substances have decreased in the last years in Spain. However, available data on binge drinking remain worrying, given the negative consequences related with this pattern. The aim of this paper is to analyse binge drinking among adolescents, providing updated data on prevalence in addition to information about the consequences and some predictive factors of binge drinking. A correlational method was used for this purpose, comprised of administering a survey to Compulsory Secondary School, High School and Vocational Training students. Based on a sample of 3,419 Galician adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14.57; SD = 1.76), the results show that binge drinking is a common and global practice, with few socio-demographic differences but related with a wide range of risk practices. Furthermore, variables such as consumption expectancies, consumption by family and friends, as well as curfew time and allowance money have been identified as interesting predictive factors that should be taken into account at the preventive level

Relación entre el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas y el uso problemático de Internet en adolescentes / The Relationship between Consumption of Alcohol and Other Drugs and Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents

En España y en el conjunto de la Unión Europea el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas entre los adolescentes viene causando una enorme preocupación social desde hace décadas. Por otra parte, el auge tecnológico experimentado en las dos últimas décadas ha contribuido a la aparición de un nuevo problema sociosanitario: el uso problemático de Internet. El creciente protagonismo que ambos problemas han ido adquiriendo en los últimos años ha llevado a algunos autores a analizar la relación entre el consumo de alcohol y otras drogas y el uso problemático de Internet, aportando evidencias empíricas al respecto. La realización del presente trabajo, a partir de una muestra de 3882 adolescentes españoles de entre 12 y 18 años, ha permitido constatar que efectivamente existe una estrecha relación entre el consumo de alcohol (medido a través del AUDIT) y otras drogas (medido a través del CRAFFT y del CAST) y el uso problemático de Internet (medido a través del EUPI-a). No solo se han encontrado unos niveles de consumo significativamente mayores entre los usuarios problemáticos, sino que la probabilidad de desarrollar un consumo de riesgo de drogas llega a ser incluso 3 veces mayor entre éstos (39,4% vs 13,3%). Ello pone de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar una prevención transversal capaz de actuar sobre las variables comunes a ambas problemáticas, más allá de desarrollar programas centrados en conductas específicas. En este sentido, la educación en valores y habilidades de vida debieran ocupar un lugar prioritario en materia de prevención

Alcohol and drug use among adolescents has been causing great concern for decades in Spain and in the European Union as a whole. In addition, the technology boom experienced over the last two decades has contributed to the emergence of a new public healthcare issue: problematic Internet use. The increasing importance that both problems have been gaining in recent years has led some authors to analyze the relationship between alcohol and the consumption of other drugs alongside problematic Internet use, and to provide relevant empirical evidence. Based on a sample of 3,882 Spanish adolescents aged between 12 and 18, the results obtained confirm that there is a relationship between the consumption of alcohol (measured by the AUDIT) and other drugs (measured by the CRAFFT and the CAST), and problematic Internet use (measured by the EUPI-a). Problematic Internet users among them not only have more significant levels of substance use, but also a three-times greater chance of developing hazardous drug use (39.4% vs 13.3%). This highlights the need to develop transversal prevention capable of acting on the common variables to both issues, beyond developing programs focused on specific behaviors. In this sense, values-based education and life skills training should be given priority in prevention

Identification and Characterization of Adolescent Internet User's Profiles.

The percentages of adolescent Internet use in general terms have been measured for nearly two decades now; however, it might be thought that not every teenager behaves online in the same way. This study aims to identify the different types or profiles of adolescents and to characterize them from an attitudinal, behavioral and socio-demographic viewpoint. A questionnaire was applied to a representative sample of 2,339 Compulsory Secondary School students (M = 13.77 years old) from Galicia (a North-Western region of Spain) for this purpose. A two-stage cluster analysis, based on the response pattern in relation to their attitudes toward Internet, was carried out. Four different segments with specific characteristics were identified: the first steppers, the trainees, the sensible users, and the heavy users. Besides the relevance of descriptive data, these results are of particular interest at an applied level, because they could lead to a better fit of programs to prevent risky behaviors and problematic Internet use in adolescents.

Identification and characterization of adolescent internet user’s orofiles

The percentages of adolescent Internet use in general terms have been measured for nearly two decades now; however, it might be thought that not every teenager behaves online in the same way. This study aims to identify the different types or profiles of adolescents and to characterize them from an attitudinal, behavioral and socio-demographic viewpoint. A questionnaire was applied to a representative sample of 2,339 Compulsory Secondary School students (M = 13.77 years old) from Galicia (a North-Western region of Spain) for this purpose. A two-stage cluster analysis, based on the response pattern in relation to their attitudes toward Internet, was carried out. Four different segments with specific characteristics were identified: the first steppers, the trainees, the sensible users, and the heavy users. Besides the relevance of descriptive data, these results are of particular interest at an applied level, because they could lead to a better fit of programs to prevent risky behaviors and problematic Internet use in adolescents (AU)

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Actitudes, percepciones y uso de Internet y las redes sociales entre los adolescentes de la comunidad gallega (España) / Attitudes, perceptions and Internet and social networks use among Galician (Spain) teens

Investigadores e instituciones han venido mostrando en los últimos años una creciente preocupación por el uso de Internet entre los adolescentes. Su impacto a nivel psicológico y conductual se traduce a menudo en la aparición de conductas de riesgo, fracaso escolar y problemas familiares. Habida cuenta del interés que el tema despierta a diferentes niveles, este trabajo se plantea con una doble intención: (1) disponer de datos que permitan conocer desde un punto de vista descriptivo cuáles son las actitudes, percepciones y hábitos de uso de Internet y las redes sociales entre los adolescentes y, (2) profundizar en su comprensión, contribuyendo así al diseño de estrategias que favorezcan un uso más racional y saludable de la Red. Sobre una encuesta a la población de escolares de Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria de la comunidad gallega, en la que participaron un total de 2339 individuos, los resultados obtenidos permiten constatar el alto grado de implantación de Internet en la población objeto de estudio y calibrar con datos empíricos la magnitud del problema. A pesar de que las cifras obtenidas no justifican una actitud alarmista, sí advierten de la necesidad de poner en marcha planes de acción concretos de manera inmediata

Researchers and institutions have shown an increasing concern about how adolescents might misuse the Internet. Its psychological and behavioral impact often translate into the emergence of risk behaviors, school failure and family problems. Given the interest that this issue has generated on an increasingly wider scale, the aim of this paper is twofold: (1) to provide data to determine, from a descriptive point of view, what exactly are the attitudes, perceptions and habits of adolescent Internet and social networks use and (2) a deeper understanding of the issue, contributing to the design of prevention and control strategies which will encourage a more rational and healthy Net use. On the basis of a survey of Compulsory Secondary School students from Galicia, which involved a total of 2339 individuals, the results obtained demonstrate the high level of Inter-net use penetration among the studied population and make it possible to gauge the magnitude of the problem with empirical data. Although the obtained numbers do not justify an alarmist attitude, they do indicate the need to implement specific action plans immediately