These findings are consistent with results that have been reported for the general Brazilian population. Therefore, these findings should be taken into consideration when developing strategies at the prevention of drug use and the early identification of drug abuse among college students.

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Alcohol and drug use among university students: gender differences Uso de álcool e drogas entre estudantes universitários: diferença entre os gêneros Concerning the consumption reported in the last 12 months, both genders displayed significant increases in the consumption of marijuana (22.3% to 27.1% for men and 12.9% to 16.9% for women), amphetamines (1.9% to 5.0% for men and 3.4% to 5.6% for women), and inhalants (9.8% to 15.7% for men and 5.4% to 10.6% for women). The greatest gender difference was observed in consumption reported in the last 30 days with significant increases in male use of tobacco (19.6% to 23.5%), marijuana (15.8% to 20.5%), amphetamines (1.1% to 3.2%), and inhalants (4.0% to 7.9%). Substance use reported in the last 30 days remained stable among women between the 2 surveys. Conclusion: Rates of substance use among university students increased. These gender differences in substance consumption should be taken into account in the development of preventive and treatment strategies for undergraduate university students. Entre os homens, observou-se aumento significativo no uso durante a vida de tabaco (de 44,8% para 50,9%), maconha (de 33,7% para 39,5%) e alucinógenos (de 6,6% para 14,1%) entre os anos de 1996 e 2001. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre as mulheres no uso de tranquilizantes ao longo da vida entre 1996 e 2001. Para o consumo relatado nos últimos 12 meses, para ambos os gêneros observou-se aumento significativo no uso de maconha (de 22,3% para 27,1% entre os homens e de 12,9% para 16,9% entre as mulheres), anfetaminas (de 1,9% para 5,0% entre os homens e de 3,4% para 5,6% entre as mulheres) e inalantes (de 9,8% para 15,7% entre os homens e de 5,4% para 10,6% entre as mulheres). A maior diferença entre os gêneros foi observada no consumo relatado nos últimos 30 dias, com aumento significativo no consumo de tabaco entre os homens (de 19,6% para 23,5%), maconha (de 15,8% para 20,5%), anfetaminas (de 1,1% para 3,2%) e inalantes (de 4,0% para 7,9%). O uso de substâncias relatado nos últimos 30 dias permaneceu estável para as mulheres entre os dois levantamentos. Conclusão: Observou-se aumento no uso de diversas substâncias entre os estudantes universitários. As diferenças observadas entre os gêneros quanto ao uso de substâncias devem ser levadas em conta quando do desenvolvimento de estratégias preventivas e de tratamento para essa população.

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OBJECTIVE To test whether the occupational conditions of professional truck drivers are associated with amphetamine use after demographic characteristics and ones regarding mental health and drug use are controlled for.METHODS Cross-sectional study, with a non-probabilistic sample of 684 male truck drivers, which was collected in three highways in Sao Paulo between years 2012 and 2013. Demographic and occupational information was collected, as well as data on drug use and mental health (sleep quality, emotional stress, and psychiatric disorders). A logistic regression model was developed to identify factors associated with amphetamine use. Odds ratio (OR; 95%CI) was defined as the measure for association. The significance level was established as p < 0.05.RESULTS The studied sample was found to have an average age of 36.7 (SD = 7.8) years, as well as low education (8.6 [SD = 2.3] years); 29.0% of drivers reported having used amphetamines within the twelve months prior to their interviews. After demographic and occupational variables had been controlled for, the factors which indicated amphetamine use among truck drivers were the following: being younger than 38 years (OR = 3.69), having spent less than nine years at school (OR = 1.76), being autonomous (OR = 1.65), working night shifts or irregular schedules (OR = 2.05), working over 12 hours daily (OR = 2.14), and drinking alcohol (OR = 1.74).CONCLUSIONS Occupational aspects are closely related to amphetamine use among truck drivers, which reinforces the importance of closely following the application of law (Resting Act (“Lei do Descanso”); Law 12,619/2012) which regulates the workload and hours of those professionals. Our results show the need for increased strictness on the trade and prescription of amphetamines in Brazil.

Padrões de consumo de álcool de usuários de serviços de atenção primária à saúde de um município brasileiroPatterns of alcohol consumption among users of primary health care services in a Brazilian city

Chronic crack cocaine use seems to disrupt general cognitive functioning (MMSE), verbal memory, and attentional resources, but findings suggest that some of these effects could be reversed by abstinence.

OBJECTIVE:To analyze drug use trends among college students in 1996, 2001 and 2009. METHODS:A cross-sectional epidemiological study with a multistage stratifi ed cluster sample with 9,974 college students was conducted in the city of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on drug use assessed in lifetime, the preceding 12 months and the preceding 30 days. The Bonferroni correction was used for multiple comparisons of drug use rates between surveys. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS:Over the 13-year study period, there was an increase in lifetime use of tobacco, hallucinogens, amphetamines, and tranquilizers. There was an increase in amphetamine use and a reduction in alcohol use during the preceding 12 months. There was an increase in amphetamine use during the preceding 30 days.