Risk factors that predict legal drug consumption in school children from 4th to 7th grade Factores predictores del riesgo de consumo de drogas lícitas en escolares de 4° a 7° básico

Abstract

Drug consumption is a problem of global concern primarily in terms of prevention. The objective of this research was to identify the factors that predict initial legal drug consumption in school children from 4a1 to 7"1 grade. The peer methodology (Rodríguez & Hernández, 2005) was applíed to 234 partícípants from two counties in Santiago. The results showed that although drug consumption in the past month was in decline, school children are starting legal drug consumption earlier, which will increase its general use in the future. The main factors that predict the risk of legal drug consumption are not living with on of the parents and involvement in street fights. The feminine gender was the main protective factor for beginning drug consumption at this age. © 2009 Sociedad Chilena de Psicología Clínica.