La familia y los amigos como riesgo de consumo de alcohol en adolescentes

Abstract

Adolescence is a stage of experimentation of oppositional and/or defiant behaviors. Communication problems, emotional isolation and lack of family affection become risk factors for consumption of alcohol. The objective of this research is to identify the risk factors for alcohol consumption in students of first, second and third year of high schools in Guayaquil. A survey approved by a Bioethics committee was applied to 636 adolescents from first, second and third year of high school that included the AUDIT and family APGAR, which is self-administered. Descriptive statistics and variables association were used with a confidence level of 95% and a significant p < 0,05. It was executed the software SPSS version 21 and the Chi Square test was applied. The results show that 52% of teens were exposed to alcohol consumption some time in their life and also 65% had some degree of family dysfunction, being this more evident in the group where there is no satisfaction with the way the household responded to their communication and affection needs. This research attempts to develop strategies to encourage healthy decision-making to and improve the emotional wellbeing of teenagers.

Keywords

• adolescent
• alcohol
• friends
• family