[Recreational nightlife in Spanish young people as a risk factor in comparison with more traditional ones]

To estimate the predictive relevance for drug use of recreational nightlife related variables in comparison with other intrapersonal and interpersonal risk / protective factors.

806 young people interviewed by Irefrea in recreational nightlife environments from 4 Spanish cities during year 2001. The sample was approximately balanced by drug use (users and non-users), gender and age group (adolescents and young adults).

Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire comprising questions on demographics, drug use frequency and related attitudes, sensation seeking, risk and deviant behaviours, habits on recreational nightlife, peer and family characteristics and mediating variables.

Multivariate predictors for drug use were several intrapersonal and interpersonal risk / protective factors: ever used tobacco and alcohol, lower religiosity and risk perception for drug use, involvement in risk behaviours and in problem behaviours, more favourable attitudes for drug use, peer drug use and bonding with drug-using peers. Drug users are also distinguished from non-users by their recreational habits (greater involvement, specific significance and cultural and physical context in recreational nightlife). A global multivariate logistic regression analysis correctly classified 92% individuals using legal and illegal drugs. Among the factors studied, recreational styles were between the best predictors of drug use.

It suggests the need to make an in depth study of weekend recreational habits and add them to the objectives of the prevention of drug use and misuse.