Una mirada cualitativa a la violencia de género entre jóvenes consumidores de alcohol en contextos de ocio / A qualitative insight at gender-based violence among young alcohol consumers in leisure contexts

Objetivo: Conocer las características de la violencia de género que subyace entre los jóvenes en contextos de ocio, sus actitudes y cómo resuelven estos conflictos en los contextos de ocio donde consumen alcohol. Método: Estudio cualitativo, de enfoque etnográfico y feminista, con la participación de jóvenes de 16 a 22 años, frecuentadores de contextos de ocio nocturno y consumidores de alcohol, residentes en dos provincias de Andalucía y en una de Castilla-La Mancha. Los participantes fueron seleccionados mediante muestreo intencional y entrevistados en profundidad. Resultados: Las jóvenes sufren con frecuencia violencia de género en los contextos de ocio que asumen con normalidad como parte del juego y la diversión mientras utilizan estrategias de protección para minimizar los riesgos. El abuso de alcohol y otras drogas aumenta la posibilidad de sucesos de violencia de género en los contextos de ocio. Conclusión: La violencia de género entre los jóvenes en contexto de ocio presenta unas características especiales que es necesario conocer para diseñar políticas preventivas. Las más vulnerables son las mujeres jóvenes que realizan consumos intensivos de alcohol. Suelen acudir al servicio de urgencias por presentar estado de inconsciencia.(AU)

Objective: To know the characteristics of gender violence that underlies among adolescents in the context of leisure, their behavior and how they overcome these conflicts in leisure contexts where the consume alcohol. Method: Qualitative study, with an ethnographic and feminist approach, with the participation of young people aged 16 to 22, frequenters of nightlife contexts and alcohol consumers, residents of two Andalusian provinces and one of Castilla-La Mancha. The participants were selected through intentional sampling and interviewed in depth. Results: Adolescents frequently suffer from gender-based violence in leisure contexts that they assume normally as part of the role of having fun, while they use their own protection strategies to minimize risks. The abuse of alcohol and other drugs increases the possibility that a gender violence event take place. Conclusion: Gender-based violence among young people in the context of leisure, presents special characteristics that it is necessary to know in order to design preventive policies. The most vulnerable are young women who consume alcohol intensively. They usually go to the hospital emergency department for being unconscious due to alcohol consumption.(AU)

A qualitative insight at gender-based violence among young alcohol consumers in leisure contexts.

OBJECTIVE: To know the characteristics of gender violence that underlies among adolescents in the context of leisure, their behavior and how they overcome these conflicts in leisure contexts where the consume alcohol. METHOD: Qualitative study, with an ethnographic and feminist approach, with the participation of young people aged 16-22, frequenters of nightlife contexts and alcohol consumers, residents of two Andalusian provinces and one of Castilla-La Mancha. The participants were selected through intentional sampling and interviewed in depth. RESULTS: Adolescents frequently suffer from gender-based violence in leisure contexts that they assume normally as part of the role of having fun, while they use their own protection strategies to minimize risks. The abuse of alcohol and other drugs increases the possibility that a gender violence event take place. CONCLUSION: Gender-based violence among young people in the context of leisure, presents special characteristics that it is necessary to know in order to design preventive policies. The most vulnerable are young women who consume alcohol intensively. They usually go to the hospital emergency department for being unconscious due to alcohol consumption.

"Keeping your composure": A digital ethnography of gendered alcohol norms on Instagram.

BACKGROUND: The increase in alcohol consumption among young women has been the most striking change in drinking culture in Spain in recent years. This study sets out to examine how images and stories about alcohol consumption are presented on Instagram, the strategies for constructing them, and the impact of social norms, including gender norms, on the strategies of making alcohol consumption visible. METHODS: We have carried out a digital ethnography study in which different research techniques have been applied. We held 13 discussion groups, conducted a three-month period of observation on Instagram, and 38 in-depth interviews of young Spanish men and women between the ages of 15 and 24 (N = 118). RESULTS: The representation of alcohol consumption on Instagram by young people shows fashionable party spaces for shared disinhibition, fun and youth gatherings. This social network permits different types of alcohol advertising and promotion of the image associated with its consumption, and is thus a space that brands and influencers exploit. Young people avoid the diffusion on Instagram of images related to their heavy use of alcohol through particular strategies. They untag, delete or avoid using their smartphone; and they choose the audience to whom images are directed, and the areas of publication. The desire to be posting and exhibiting constantly converges with embarrassment and precaution with (un)known audiences. Gender is a key element for understanding the differences in the way in which posts on Instagram related to drinking and drunkenness affect young people. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that Instagram fosters the spreading of an ideal model of "alcohol consumption" online that tends to conceal the adverse effects of the substance, and that the online diffusion of behaviour concerning drinking is not gender-neutral.

"There is nothing better than participating in this study": Living the PAPAartis cardiovascular randomised controlled trial.

Qualitative research can bring new dimensions of understanding decision-making process in clinical trials. Participating in a randomized clinical trial requires patients to accept complex information and make decisions in a context of uncertainty. It becomes especially complicated in the case of serious diseases in which the treatment itself implies unknown risks. This study examines these issues in the context of the PAPAartis randomized clinical trial, which aims to prevent spinal cord injuries that can occur as an adverse event following complex surgical repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysm. In this study, we accessed a group of 16 patients participating in the trial and, through in-depth interviews, sought to understand the decision-making process when taking part in the trial and their experience of it. Our results showed that patients participated for different reasons: due to trust in doctors, the hope of having a better treatment or for altruistic and collaborative reasons with science. Many patients felt they did not fully understand the extraneous information provided about the study and the complex nature of the procedure. Avoidance of paraplegia played a fundamental role in the decision to participate in this trial. Family support and the socioeconomic conditions of the patients influenced the recovery process after surgery.

Propuestas sobre género y masculinidades en el estudio de los usos y abusos de drogas / Proposals on gender and masculinities in the study of drug uses and abuses

No disponible

Consumo de psicofármacos en Andalucía. Un análisis de la Encuesta Andaluza de Salud desde la perspectiva de género / Consumption of psychoactive drugs in Andalusia. An analysis from the Andalusian Health Survey from a gender perspective

INTRODUCCIÓN: En España el 16% de la población consume psicofármacos, ansiolíticos, hipnóticos y antidepresivos son los más frecuentes. La prevalencia de consumo es el doble en mujeres que en hombres para todos los rangos de edad. Diversos autores y autoras indican que esta diferencia puede deberse a roles y estereotipos de género. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de consumo de psicofármacos en Andalucía y conocer los factores de riesgo asociados al consumo de ansiolíticos, hipnóticos y antidepresivos desagregados por sexo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis descriptivo y multivariante a partir de la Encuesta Andaluza de Salud de 2016 realizada a personas mayores de 16 años no institucionalizadas con un tamaño muestral de 6,569 personas (3,231 hombres y 3,338 mujeres). RESULTADOS: Las mujeres tienen 2.1 veces más probabilidad de consumir ansiolíticos y 2.7 y 3 veces más probabilidad de consumir hipnóticos y antidepresivos, respectivamente. Para ambos sexos los factores de riesgo asociados al consumo son: tener más de 65 años y padecer dolor crónico. Para ellos, estar soltero o viudo es un factor de riesgo de consumo; en mujeres, la probabilidad de consumo se incrementa cuando se dedican al trabajo doméstico no remunerado, tienen niveles medios de estudio o padecen dolor crónico discapacitante. CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio confirma la influencia del género en el consumo diferencial de psicofármacos entre hombres y mujeres. Nuestros resultados indican la importancia de realizar análisis desagregados por sexo para conocer qué factores muestran las diferentes asociaciones en hombres o mujeres, y con ello, focalizar de forma específica la atención sociosanitaria

INTRODUCTION: In Spain, 16% of the population consumes psychotropic drugs, where anxiolytics, hypnotics and antidepressants are the most frequent. Its prevalence of consumption is double in women than in men for all age ranges. Several authors indicate that this difference may be due to gender stereotypes. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of psychotropic consumption in Andalusia and to know the risk factors associated with the consumption of anxiolytics, hypnotics and antidepressants disaggregated by sex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive and multivariate analysis based on the 2016 Andalusian Health Survey carried out on people over 16 years of age who were not institutionalized with a sample size of 6,569 people (3,231 men and 3,338 women). RESULTS: Women are 2.1 times more likely to consume anxiolytics and 2.7 and 3 times more likely to consume hypnotics and antidepressants, respectively. For both sexes the risk factors associated with consumption are: being over 65 years of age and suffering from chronic pain. For them, being single or widowed is a risk factor for consumption; in women, the probability of consumption increases when they are engaged in unpaid domestic work, have average levels of study or suffer chronic disabling pain. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the influence of gender on the differential consumption of psychotropic drugs between men and women. Our results indicate the importance of performing analyzes disaggregated by sex to know which factors show the different associations in men or women, and with that, to focus specifically on socio-health care

"A good little tool to get to know yourself a bit better": a qualitative study on users' experiences of app-supported menstrual tracking in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Menstrual apps facilitate observation and analysis of menstrual cycles and associated factors through the collection and interpretation of data entered by users. As a subgroup of health-related apps, menstrual apps form part of one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing developments in biomedicine and health care. However, despite their popularity, qualitative research on how people engaging in period-tracking use and experience these apps remains scarce. METHODS: Between June 2016 and March 2017, we conducted 26 qualitative interviews with menstrual app users living in Austria and Spain. The participants were asked about their practices and experiences regarding app-supported menstrual tracking. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using the software NVivo. RESULTS: An inductive content analysis was performed and eight characteristics of app-supported menstrual tracking were identified: 1) tracking menstrual cycle dates and regularities, 2) preparing for upcoming periods, 3) getting to know menstrual cycles and bodies, 4) verifying menstrual experiences and sensations, 5) informing healthcare professionals, 6) tracking health, 7) contraception and seeking pregnancy, and 8) changes in tracking. Our study finds that period-tracking via apps has the potential to be an empowering practice as it helps users to be more aware of their menstrual cycles and health and to gain new knowledge. However, we also show that menstrual tracking can have negative consequences as it leads to distress in some cases, to privacy issues, and the work it requires can result in cessation. Finally, we present practical implications for healthcare providers and app developers. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative study gives insight into users' practices and experiences of app-supported menstrual tracking. The results provide information for researchers, health care providers and app designers about the implications of app-supported period-tracking and describe opportunities for patient-doctor interactions as well as for further development of menstrual apps.

Paraplegia prevention in aortic aneurysm repair by thoracoabdominal staging with 'minimally invasive staged segmental artery coil embolisation' (MIS²ACE): trial protocol for a randomised controlled multicentre trial.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injury (SCI) including permanent paraplegia constitutes a common complication after repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. The staged-repair concept promises to provide protection by inducing arteriogenesis so that the collateral network can provide a robust blood supply to the spinal cord after intervention. Minimally invasive staged segmental artery coil embolisation (MIS2ACE) has been proved recently to be a feasible enhanced approach to staged repair. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This randomised controlled trial uses a multicentre, multinational, parallel group design, where 500 patients will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to standard aneurysm repair or to MIS2ACE in 1-3 sessions followed by repair. Before randomisation, physicians document whether open or endovascular repair is planned. The primary endpoint is successful aneurysm repair without substantial SCI 30 days after aneurysm repair. Secondary endpoints include any form of SCI, mortality (up to 1 year), length of stay in the intensive care unit, costs and quality-adjusted life years. A generalised linear mixed model will be used with the logit link function and randomisation arm, mode of repair (open or endovascular repair), the Crawford type and the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (euroSCORE) II as fixed effects and the centre as a random effect. Safety endpoints include kidney failure, respiratory failure and embolic events (also from debris). A qualitative study will explore patient perceptions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial has been approved by the lead Ethics Committee from the University of Leipzig (435/17-ek) and will be reviewed by each of the Ethics Committees at the trial sites. A dedicated project is coordinating communication and dissemination of the trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03434314.

"Pasar el mal trago": un estudio etnográfico de jóvenes que experimentan una intoxicación etílica aguda en un servicio de urgencias / "Overcome a bad shot": an ethnographic study of young people experiencing acute alcohol intoxication in an emergency department

En la actualidad, el patrón recreativo de consumo intensivo de alcohol conlleva, en ocasiones, que los jóvenes terminen en los servicios de urgencias. El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido estudiar la experiencia y perspectiva de jóvenes tras una intoxicación etílica aguda. Se trata de un estudio etnográfico llevado a cabo en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital de la ciudad de Granada (España) mediante un muestreo intencional con 95 jóvenes. Se realizó un análisis de contenido cualitativo. Nuestros resultados muestran que los jóvenes atendidos suelen considerar su experiencia con una intoxicación etílica como un «mal trago» que hay que pasar y olvidar. Justifican dicha intoxicación con razones no relacionadas con el consumo abusivo de alcohol (no habían comido, mala suerte, padecer diabetes, etc.). El servicio de urgencias es la última medida terapéutica para revertir los efectos adversos de una intoxicación etílica aguda y no consideran, tras su experiencia, dejar de beber, aunque la mayoría de la muestra consultada puso de manifiesto la necesidad de moderar el consumo de alcohol. Los resultados se discuten proporcionando ideas para poder realizar intervenciones en los servicios de urgencias que sean adecuadas a las necesidades de las personas jóvenes y la organización de los servicios sanitarios

The current pattern of intensive recreational use of alcohol leads sometimes excesses favoring the support of young people in the emergency department. The objective of this research was to study the experience and perspective of young people after an acute alcohol intoxication. This is an ethnographic study carried out in an emergency department of a hospital in the city of Granada (Spain) by purposive sampling with 95 young people. We develop a qualitative content analysis. Our results show that youth served often consider their experience with AAI as a ‘bad shot’ that is necessary to go and forget. They justified this AAI with causes unrelated to alcohol abuse (have not eaten, bad luck, diabetes, etc.). The urgency department is the last therapeutic measure to reverse the adverse effects of AAI and do not consider stop drinking, although most of the consulted youth recognized that they need to moderate the alcohol consumption. We discuss the findings providing ideas to make interventions in the emergency departments more sensitive to the needs of young people and the organization of health services

Intensive alcohol consumption by adolescents in Southern Spain: The importance of friendship.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increase in intensive alcohol drinking by Spanish adolescents since the 1990s, especially among the females, but there has been limited exploration of this phenomenon. The objective of this study was to analyse the discourses of Spanish adolescents on their drinking behaviour at contextual, relational, and personal levels. METHODS: A qualitative study was undertaken in 96 adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years who had experienced at least one intensive drinking episode during the previous year. They lived with family members and were not offenders or at risk of social exclusion. Participants were recruited at educational centres and youth centres in two provinces in southern Spain. Ten focus groups and 30 in-depth individual interviews were conducted. A summative content analysis was performed. RESULTS: Intensive alcohol drinking was widely practiced in this study population. Consolidation of this practice was influenced by cultural, interpersonal and personal dimensions. Consumption in public spaces emerged as a key influential factor, especially the botellón, a collective space-time in which Spanish adolescents socialize and become initiated into intensive alcohol consumption. Besides the facilitating elements of the social and cultural setting, the results also evidence the effects of interpersonal relationships within the peer group, which offer a series of approaches to risk and protective practices. In these adolescents, the main reason for engaging in alcohol drinking was to enhance their social relationships, which acted as a mechanism to normalize intensive alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Policies to reduce the harm caused to adolescents by intensive alcohol drinking need to take account of the contextual, relational and personal dimensions of this practice. The discourses of these adolescents from Southern Spain point to a potential role for the peer group in harm reduction strategies.

Bebiendo como chicos: consumo compartido de alcohol y rupturas de género en poblaciones adolescentes / No disponible

La información epidemiológica en España pone en evidencia los cambios que se vienen sucediendo en los patrones de consumo de alcohol en las poblaciones adolescentes. Estos son especialmente significativos en relación a la reducción de la brecha en los consumos intensivos de alcohol por parte de las chicas. Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir algunos elementos que, imbricados al sistema de género, muestran tendencias de lo que está sucediendo en relación al consumo de alcohol en las poblaciones adolescentes. Para ello fue diseñado un estudio cualitativo en base a grupos focales con chicas y chicos de 14 a 17 años. Los discursos de los 66 adolescentes andaluces participantes en el estudio fueron tratados siguiendo un procedimiento de análisis de contenido. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto tanto aspectos diferenciados como compartidos entre chicos y chicas en relación a los procesos de inicio al consumo de alcohol, experiencias de consumo intensivo y control de riesgos. Los resultados se discuten en torno al papel del consumo de alcohol a la hora de definir y reforzar ciertos valores y significados atribuidos a lo masculino y lo femenino. Especialmente, en relación a los procesos de ruptura dentro del sistema de género provocados por las prácticas de consumo intensivo de alcohol en el espacio público por parte de chicas

Epidemiological data available in Spain highlights the changes that are occurring in patterns of alcohol consumption in adolescent populations. These are especially significant with regard to reducing the gap in intensive consumption of alcohol by girls. This article aims to describe certain aspects relating to the gender system that show what is happening in relation to alcohol consumption in adolescent populations. A qualitative study based on focus groups with girls and boys of 14-17 years was designed for this purpose. The speeches of the 66 Andalusian teenagers in the study were processed by means of a content analysis procedure. The results highlight different aspects shared between boys and girls in relation to consumption, intensive consumption experiences and risk control in alcohol consumption. The results are discussed in respect of the role of alcohol in the definition and reinforcement of certain values and meanings attributed to the masculine and the feminine identity and especially with regard to rupture processes within the gender system caused by practices of intensive alcohol consumption in public space by girls

Doing gender in a toxic world. Women and freebase cocaine in the city of Buenos Aires (Argentina).

Consumption of freebase cocaine in Argentina has been investigated among males but not females. This qualitative study focuses on the complexity of relationships between gender identity and the use of drugs, investigating freebase cocaine as an example in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. In-depth interviews were conducted with female consumers in 2010. The results reveal the different ways in which female identity is constructed in the context of social vulnerability. We identify ways of doing gender and feeling like a woman in a man's world that are associated with a higher risk of violence and exclusion for being female.

Adolescentes, situaciones de riesgo y seguridad vial / Adolescents, risk situations and road safety

ObjetivoDescribir los comportamientos de riesgo relacionados con la seguridad vial en los adolescentes.DiseñoEstudio descriptivo, transversal.EmplazamientoComunidades de Madrid y Andalucía.ParticipantesTres mil seiscientos doce estudiantes de los 4 cursos de ESO en Madrid (n=1.708) y en Andalucía (n=1.904).Mediciones principalesEncuesta realizada durante mayo-junio de 2007. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos (edad, sexo, curso, profesión del padre, lugar de nacimiento, etc.) y sobre comportamientos y situaciones de riesgo (conductas de riesgo de inseguridad vial como conductor o pasajero).ResultadosEl 16,2% de los adolescentes ha vivido una situación de peligro en la moto en el último año. El 16,7% nunca se pone el casco cuando monta en moto y el 62% no lo hace en bicicleta por la carretera; el 17,4% ha ido en moto muchas veces a más velocidad de la permitida y el 24,5% cuando viajaba en coche. El sexo, el curso y la comunidad autónoma muestran asociaciones significativas. Cuatro factores, que explican el 62% de la variancia, agrupan las situaciones o las conductas de riesgo en los adolescentes: drogas, velocidad, seguridad y pasajero. Dos de ellos han tenido 2 veces más probabilidades de producir situaciones de peligro en la moto en el último año: drogas (OR=1,96; IC del 95%: 1,77–2,18) y velocidad (OR=2,13; IC del 95%: 1,92–2,36).ConclusionesLos chicos de cursos avanzados y los residentes en Andalucía mostraron más conductas de inseguridad vial. Este perfil debe tenerse presente al diseñar medidas preventivas en la educación vial(AU)

ObjectiveDescribe the risk behaviour relationships with road safety in adolescents.DesignCross-sectional descriptive study.SettingMadrid and Andalusia Regions, representative samples.ParticipantsThe sample included 3,612 in secondary school pupils from Madrid (n=1708) and Andalusia (n=1904). The survey was carried out during May and June 2007.Main measurementsThe data collected included sociodemographic areas (age, sex, grade, father's profession, birth place, etc.) and risk situation and behaviour (risk behaviour as driver or passenger).Results16.2% of the adolescents have been involved in a dangerous situation with motorcycles during the last year. 16.7% never use a helmet when riding a motorcycle and 62% do not wear one when riding a bicycle on the road; 17.4% frequently ride a motorcycle over the speed limit and 24.5% when driving a car. There are significant differences regarding sex, grade and region (Madrid or Andalusia). There are four factors which explain 62% of the variance: drug factor, speed factor, security factor and passenger factor. Two of these have twice the probability of having a dangerous situation when riding a motorcycle: drug factor (OR=1.96; 95% CI, 1.77–2.18) and the speed factor ((OR=2.13; 95% CI, 1.92–2.36).ConclusionsAdolescents in higher grades and living in Andalusia were less road safety conscious. This pattern should be taken into account when designing preventive actions in Road Safety Education(AU)

[Adolescents, risk situations and road safety]. / Adolescentes, situaciones de riesgo y seguridad vial.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the risk behaviour relationships with road safety in adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING: Madrid and Andalusia Regions, representative samples. PARTICIPANTS: The sample included 3,612 in secondary school pupils from Madrid (n=1708) and Andalusia (n=1904). The survey was carried out during May and June 2007. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The data collected included sociodemographic areas (age, sex, grade, father's profession, birth place, etc.) and risk situation and behaviour (risk behaviour as driver or passenger). RESULTS: 16.2% of the adolescents have been involved in a dangerous situation with motorcycles during the last year. 16.7% never use a helmet when riding a motorcycle and 62% do not wear one when riding a bicycle on the road; 17.4% frequently ride a motorcycle over the speed limit and 24.5% when driving a car. There are significant differences regarding sex, grade and region (Madrid or Andalusia). There are four factors which explain 62% of the variance: drug factor, speed factor, security factor and passenger factor. Two of these have twice the probability of having a dangerous situation when riding a motorcycle: drug factor (OR=1.96; 95% CI, 1.77-2.18) and the speed factor ((OR=2.13; 95% CI, 1.92-2.36). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents in higher grades and living in Andalusia were less road safety conscious. This pattern should be taken into account when designing preventive actions in Road Safety Education.

[What do adolescents and young people think about recreational drug use and sexual risks?]. / Qué opinan adolescentes y jóvenes sobre el consumo de drogas recreativas y las conductas sexuales de riesgo?

The objective of this article is to analyse the opinions of adolescents and young people, from gypsy and non-gypsy populations, on the relationship between recreational drug use and sexual practices that increase the risk of HIV infection. A descriptive qualitative research was undertaken. 14 focus groups were conducted with 98 adolescents and young people, and 7 semi-structured interviews with young recreational drug users. Both sort of results were triangulated. Two major discursive lines emerge in the analysis. The first one defends the notion that moderate consumption of alcohol facilitates the sexual encounter, but it does not imply risky behaviours. However, polydrug use or an elevated use of recreational drugs is related to a lack of concern for sexual risks, and in men with the loss of sexual sensitivity that sometimes justifies not using a condom. The second line argues other reasons for the non-use of condoms, such as their lack of availability, confidence in one's sexual partner, a concept of desire as something uncontrollable, infatuation and the state of mind or self-esteem. Some recommendations to prevent sexual transmission of HIV are derived from the results, such as the distribution of condoms in places where alcohol and other drugs are consumed, publicising the use of condoms and other latex barriers for oral genital sexual practices, working with young males on the optimisation of pleasure, designing preventive interventions targeting stable partners, and training adolescent girls in the social skills needed to negotiate the use of condoms.

¿Qué opinan adolescentes y jóvenes sobre el consumo de drogas recreativas y las conductas sexuales de riesgo? / What do adolescents and young people think about recreational drug use and sexual risks?

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las opiniones de adolescentes y jóvenes, de población gitana y no gitana, sobre la relación entre el consumo de drogas recreativas y las prácticas sexuales que incrementan el riesgo de infección por VIH. Para ello se ha desarrollado un estudio transversal descriptivo que emplea una metodología cualitativa. Se realizaron 14 grupos focales en los que participaron 98 adolescentes y jóvenes y 7 entrevistas semiestructuradas a jóvenes usuarios de drogas recreativas. Los resultados fueron triangulados. En el análisis aparecen dos grandes líneas discursivas. La primera defiende que el consumo moderado de alcohol facilita el encuentro sexual, pero no implica la asunción de riesgos. Sin embargo, el policonsumo o consumo elevado de drogas recreativas se relaciona con la despreocupación por los riesgos sexuales, y en varones con pérdida de sensibilidad sexual que justifica el no uso de preservativos. La segunda argumenta otros motivos para no utilizar preservativos, entre ellos la falta de disponibilidad de los mismos, la confianza en la pareja sexual, una concepción del deseo como algo incontrolable, el enamoramiento, el estado de ánimo o la autoestima. De los resultados se derivan recomendaciones para prevenir la transmisión sexual del VIH, como distribuir preservativos en espacios donde se consume alcohol y otras drogas, publicitar su uso y el de otras barreras en prácticas bucogenitales, trabajar en la optimización del placer con varones, convertir en objeto de campañas a las parejas estables y formar a mujeres adolescentes en habilidades sociales para negociar el uso del preservativo

The objective of this article is to analyse the opinions of adolescents and young people, from gypsy and non-gypsy populations, on the relationship between recreational drug use and sexual practices that increase the risk of HIV infection. A descriptive qualitative research was undertaken. 14 focus groups were conducted with 98 adolescents and young people, and 7 semi-structured interviews with young recreational drug users. Both sort of results were triangulated.Two major discursive lines emerge in the analysis. The first one defends the notion that moderate consumption of alcohol facilitates the sexual encounter, but it does not imply risky behaviours. However, polydrug use or an elevated use of recreational drugs is related to a lack of concern for sexual risks, and in men with the loss of sexual sensitivity that sometimes justifies not using a condom. The second line argues other reasons for the non-use of condoms, such as their lack of availability, confidence in one’s sexual partner, a concept of desire as something uncontrollable, infatuation and the state of mind or self-esteem. Some recommendations to prevent sexual transmission of HIV are derived from the results, such as the distribution of condoms in places where alcohol and other drugs are consumed, publicising the use of condoms and other latex barriers for oral genital sexual practices, working with young males on the optimisation of pleasure, designing preventive intervention stargeting stable partners, and training adolescent girls in the social skills needed to negotiate the use of condoms

¿Tienen adolescentes y jóvenes que consumen drogas no inyectadas mayor probabilidad de transmisión sexual del VIH? / Have adolescents and young people who take non-injected drugs a greater probability of HIV sexual transmission?

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la relación entre el consumo de drogas no inyectadas y las conductas sexuales que incrementan el riesgo de infección por VIH u otras Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual en adolescentes y jóvenes. Para ello se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica de investigaciones publicadas en revistas científicas entre 1998 y 2003. Éstas han sido descritas considerando el tipo de droga consumida, el tipo de población, la posición social y el sexo/género de las personas participantes. Algo más de la mitad de los artículos analizados asocian el consumo de alcohol o marihuana con prácticas sexuales de riesgo. Sobre el consumo de otras drogas no inyectadas como cocaína, anfetaminas, etc. y su mezcla con alcohol no hay acuerdo. No aparecen grandes diferencias entre varones y mujeres, según pertenencia poblacional o por posición social. La mayoría de los trabajos analizados encuentran relación entre el consumo de algunas drogas y las prácticas sexuales que incrementan el riesgo de infección por VIH. No obstante, la escasa comparabilidad y otros problemas metodológicos dan pie a la controversia. Se identificaron limitaciones en los artículos revisados y recomendaciones para futuras investigaciones

The objective of this article is to analyse the relationship between the use of non-injected drugs and the sexual risks of HIV infection or another STD in adolescents and young people. A bibliographical review was made of articles published in scientific journals between 1998 and 2003. These studies were described considering type of drug, type of population (population minorities), social position and sex/gender of the participants. Slightly more than a half of the articles analysed associate the use of alcohol or marijuana with risky sexual behaviour. There is no agreement on the use of other non-injected drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, etc. or their combination with alcohol. No major differences were found between men and women, by population group or by social position. Most of the studies find some relationship between the use of certain drugs and sexual behaviours that increase the risk of HIV infection. However, the lack of comparability and other methodological problems are conducive to controversy. Limitations in reviewed articles were identified and recommendations made for future research