[Empirical study of the Planned Behavior Theory variables as risk factors for cocaine use in three different groups]

To explore empirically the presence of certain To explore empirically the presence of certain factors as risk elements for cocaine consumption.

Analysis of the data obtained in a set of items that measure the variables of the Planned Behavior Theory (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention) in three groups: Group A is made up of 192 cocaine users without treatment, Group B comprises 110 cocaine users in treatment, and Group C is made up of 100 individuals who had never used cocaine.

Group A scored significantly higher in all the variables, while Group C was which obtained the lowest scores. Group B showed no significant differences from Group A in the subjective norm variable, nor from Group C in the perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention variables.

This study highlights the importance of attitudes and subjective norm in the explanation of current cocaine use, but especially the function of perceived behavioral control as a risk factor that should be taken into account in the design of preventive strategies.