Related Experiment Videos
[Consumption of dependency-producing substances in Colombia].
Boletin De La Oficina Sanitaria Panamericana. Pan American Sanitary Bureau
|December 1, 1989
Summary
This 1987 study surveyed 2,800 Colombians on substance use. Alcohol and tobacco were most common, while basuco and marijuana posed the greatest suicide risk, especially for women.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Substance Abuse Research
- Public Health
Context:
- Urban Colombia in 1987
- Prevalence survey of 2,800 individuals (ages 12-64)
- Included socially accepted (alcohol, tobacco, tranquilizers) and illicit (basuco, cocaine, marijuana) substances
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of dependency-producing substance use in urban Colombia
- To explore causal associations and measure their strength
- To analyze substance use patterns by demographics and assess suicide risk
Summary:
- Alcohol (560/1000) and tobacco (297/1000) were most prevalent. Tranquilizers were third (60/1000), used more by women. Illicit drug use was lower: marijuana (11/1000), basuco (6/1000), cocaine (3/1000). Basuco consumption doubled cocaine use.
- Consumption peaked in middle age groups. Unmarried individuals showed higher risk. Upper-class men preferred cocaine and marijuana; lower-class individuals of both sexes preferred basuco.
- Statistically significant differences in suicide rates were found between users and non-users (ages 15-54). Basuco and marijuana presented the highest suicide risk, particularly for women.
Impact:
- Provides baseline data on substance use in urban Colombia for 1987.
- Highlights demographic disparities in substance consumption patterns.
- Identifies specific substances (basuco, marijuana) associated with increased suicide risk, informing targeted public health interventions.