Association between early onset of psychoactive drug use and health risk behaviors in chilean adolescents

Abstract

Background: Adolescents are more prone to develop health risk behaviors. Among these, early consumption of psychoactive drugs is relevant. Aim: To assess the association between early consumption of illicit drugs, tobacco and alcohol, suicide behaviors, risky sexual behaviors, eating habits and physical activity in school age adolescents from Valparaiso, Chile. Material and Methods: The online world survey of scholar health to identify the health risk behaviors was answered by 550 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years, from a public educational institution at Valparaiso, Chile. Results: Early consumption of alcohol, smoking and illicit drug use was reported by 59, 57 and 44% of respondents, respectively. The frequency of psychoactive drug consumption during the last month, risky sexual behaviors and missing breakfast was higher among those with an early onset of alcohol and illicit drug consumption and smoking. The frequency of suicidal risk behaviors and low consumption of fruits and vegetables was higher among those with an early onset of illicit drug use and smoking. A low physical activity level was associated with early smoking onset. Health risk behaviors were associated with early onset of alcohol and illicit drug consumption and smoking. Conclusions: Early onset of alcohol and illicit drug consumption and smoking is associated with health risk behaviors in Chilean adolescents.