[Addictive risk behaviors in health professionals in Mexico and Cuba]

Health professionals serve as social role models, and when they present addictive risk behaviors, their credibility is compromised.

To determine the prevalence of addictive risk behaviors among primary healthcare professionals in Mexico and Cuba during the period from January to March 2025.

A descriptive and analytical study was conducted. The MULTICAGE CAD-4 was administered to 238 healthcare workers. The analysis included 93 professionals from a Family Medicine Unit in Michoacán (Mexico) and from a Polyclinic in Villa Clara (Cuba). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine statistically significant differences.

Mexican participants had a mean age of 35.33 years, and 55.7% were men. Cuban participants had a mean age of 36.43 years, and 75% were women. Self-identified addictive risk behaviors in both groups were pathological shopping, internet use, and alcohol consumption. Predominant feelings of guilt in both groups were associated with internet use, tobacco, and alcohol. Tobacco use generated greater lack of control. The only scale showing statistically significant differences was gambling (p = 0.035), which was more prevalent among Cubans.

The predominant addictive risk behaviors among healthcare professionals in Mexico and Cuba were pathological shopping, compulsive internet use, and problematic alcohol consumption. Psychosocial interventions are urgently needed to prevent addictive risk behaviors.