RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the present study were: 1) To corroborate the increase in alcohol consumption in the female population registered by results from the National Surveys on Addictions (ENA), 1988 and 1993; and 2) to determine affected age groups, and obtain basic information on age of onset, amount consumed per event and drunkenness frequency in the adult population of Mexico City, as indicators to orient preventive measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multi-stage, stratified household survey was applied. A total of 1,932 interviews was completed, subjects were between 18 and 65 years of age, with a response rate of 60.4%. The instrument was a modified version of the Composite International Psychiatric Interview (CIDI), which is a highly structured instrument, applicable by non-specialized personnel, although limited training is necessary. The alcohol section included questions on the age of the first drink, the frequency and amount consumed during each event and the drunkenness frequency during the last 12 months, among other variables. Median and percentage were obtained by sex and among age-cohorts. RESULTS: Of the total, 96.5% of men and 18.1% of women have consumed at least one drink in their lives. In average, age of onset is 16 years for men, and 18 years for women. Age group comparisons show a clear tendency to begin drinking at an earlier age, particularly in women. The growing trend indicated by ENA with respect to alcohol consumption in the feminine population and at a younger age was corroborated. Results indicated that, in average, 5 years after the age of onset, both men and women reach their highest quantities of alcohol consumption, which tend to be excessive. Additionally, high-risk drinking among women (five or more drinks per event) increased to be four times higher in a period of seven years, and with an apparent tendency to rise. Sixty percent of the drinking population reduced alcohol consumption before the age of 30, however, the remaining 40% continued to drink at the same rate, or even increased consumption, particularly among women. CONCLUSIONS: The age of onset of alcohol consumption has diminished, especially in women, showing tendencies towards abuse. Preventive programs should predominantly focus on young age groups with emphasis on the feminine population.
Assuntos
Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , México/epidemiologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prevalência , Distribuição por Sexo , Fatores Sexuais , Inquéritos e Questionários , Saúde da População UrbanaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of sexual abuse among high school (secondary and preparatory) students, male and female, throughout Mexico, and its relationship with drug abuse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Survey of Drug Use in Schools applied in November and December, 1991. A total of 61,779 students, 51.8% men and 47.1% women, with a mean age of 14.4 years completed the self-applied questionnaire. Sexual abuse was explored from the perspective of the abusers and of the victims. RESULTS: The prevalence of sexual abuse in adolescent victims was 4.3% and no statistically significant differences were found between sexes. The prevalence of sexual aggressors was 2.5%. Men coerced someone else in a higher proportion than women. Adolescent women experienced sexual abuse at a younger age than men and they also reported a higher percentage of intrafamily abuse. Men reported friends as the most frequent aggressors. Victims and aggressors of both sexes reported a significantly higher drug consumption than students without these antecedents. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in the experience of sexual abuse between men and women are described. In particular, the fact that sexual abuse in men mainly occurs outside the family sphere, while in women it is mainly within the family and at a younger age than in men. Additionally, the need for further research focusing on the consequences on mental health of infantile and adolescent sexual abuse and drug consumption is emphasized, considering the characteristics of each gender.
Assuntos
Delitos Sexuais/estatística & dados numéricos , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Distribuição por Idade , Criança , Feminino , Inquéritos Epidemiológicos , Humanos , Masculino , México/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Distribuição por SexoRESUMO
This article presents the latest results of a 18 months follow-up study with schizophrenic patients, with the purpose to assess psychosocial functioning in the community after being discharged from a psychiatric hospital. The patients reported a satisfactory level of psychosocial and global functioning: mean = 2.4 at discharge; mean = 2.8 at six months (p < 0.05) and mean = 2.7 at 18 months follow-up. The use of medication was reduced from 62 per cent at six months to 59 per cent at 18 months by the patients, and the level of rehospitalization increased from 10 per cent at six months to 40 per cent at 18 months. Patients with no medication (t-test = p .001) and also rehospitalized patients (t-test = p .05) reported lower levels of satisfactory psychosocial functioning in comparison with patients under medication and also without rehospitalization. These results might contribute to a better psychosocial handling of schizophrenic patients in the community. The need for longitudinal follow-up research in Mexican schizophrenic patients is noted.