Symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with the risk levels of alcohol and tobacco consumption in adolescents from Loja, Ecuador

Abstract

Objective. To determine whether the symptoms of anxiety and depression are associated with the variables of gender, age, and level of risk associated with the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Methodology. Cross-sectional design research with non-probabilistic and non-experimental type sampling. A sample of 663 middle and high school students between 13 and 20 years old was used. Three psychometric instruments were applied: Beck Depression Inventory-II, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale The Alcohol, and Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST v3.1). Results. A statistical association between the risk associated with alcohol and tobacco consumption with levels of anxiety and depression was identified. The relationship between high risk of consumption of these substances with high levels of symptoms of anxiety and depression was demonstrated. Additionally, there is a relationship between symptoms of anxiety and depression with gender; and with age. Conclusions. alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents present a significant relationship with symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is a greater tendency for women to present symptoms of depression and anxiety than in men.