Resumo

ARRIETA VERGARA, Katherine; DIAZ CARDENAS, Shyrley  e  GONZALEZ MARTINEZ, Farith. Problems Associated with the Use of Alcohol Among Students of a Public University in Cartagena. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2011, vol.40, n.2, pp.215-228. ISSN 0034-7450.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence and the problems associated with alcohol use among students of a public University in Cartagena. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed with a sample of 1.031 students randomly selected by stratified group, who filled out an anonymous auto-inquiry report which included the variables age, sex, alcohol intake, intake intensity, and the problems associated with it. Data was analyzed from proportions (univariated analysis), through disparity reasons (bivariated analysis), and by logistic regression (multivariate analysis) using the STATA 10.0^® program. Results: The current use of alcohol was 82% (higher intake in men than in women). Similarly, men presented a higher intensity of intake than women. In regard to the frequency, 35% of the men consume it more than four times a week, whereas 20% of the women do. The most common problems were physical problems (54.6%), risky or unprotected sexual relations (19.8%), and family problems (11.2%); these issues are explained by the intake of five or more drinks by consumption occasions (p = 0.000). Conclusions: In spite of the numerous activities of health promotion related to the handling of addictions and their prevention, alcohol intake still enjoys a high prevalence in university students and still generates many problems at personal, family, and social levels, which suggests we should resume health education strategies in the university community dealing with this type of addiction and its appropriate handling.

Palavras-chave : Alcohol drinking; students; health promotion.

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