Fatores de proteção ao uso de drogas entre universitários : o papel do lazer

Abstract

In a world scenario of constant increase in the number of people who use psychoactive substances, investigating possible protective factors for the excessive consumption of these substances can contribute to the qualification of prevention policies. Thus, the objective of this study was to know the factors that contribute to the non-use of alcohol and other drugs and their possible relations with leisure and to evaluate possible impacts of participation in extracurricular activities in the youth consumption patterns. This is a quantitative descriptive research, which used as a technique for the data collection the formulation of a self-administered online questionnaire. The data analysis was performed by comparing the percentages of alcohol consumption and other drugs in the sample with the percentages of participation in activities designated as protective by the literature. The sample consisted of 110 students, 51 women and 59 men, of the Bachelor's and its degrees courses in Physical Education of the Federal University of the Espírito Santo, Brazil. The substance with the highest index of consumption was the alcohol, both for consumption considered recreational (about 60%) and for overuse (12%). The age of onset of consumption was shown to be relevant to predict future patterns of use, showing the need to delay the first psychoactive experiences for as long as possible.. As with sports and participation in prevention projects, other extracurricular activities analyzed separately did not show significant results. However, the concomitant concurrent participation in different activities served as protection for the sample in question. The results presented indicate activities and factors that can be stimulated and able to bring benefits to the youth in the prevention of problems related to drug use.