Abstract

GUIMARAES BORGES, Guilherme Luiz et al. Prevalence and associated factors of use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs in elderly from Distrito Federal. Salud Ment [online]. 2014, vol.37, n.1, pp.15-25. ISSN 0185-3325.

There are no studies in Mexico estimating the use of psychoactive substances in the elderly (+69 yrs) and there is a lack of information about the risk factors determining the burden of disease for this age group. The goal of this study is to present prevalences of use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs and nonmedical prescription drugs in beneficiaries of a cash supplement program sponsored by the Institute for the Care of Elderly from Federal District (Instituto para la Atención del Adulto Mayor del Distrito Federal, IAAM-DF). Furthermore, significant sociodemographic factors associated with substance use are reported. From a random sample of the 2 501 users registries of a cash supplement program of IAAM-DF, a total of 2 098 agreed to participate and were interviewed in their homes. The response rate was of 83.9%. We found that 63.5% of all participants ever used alcohol, 45.4% ever used tobacco and 3.5% ever used any drugs. Near one out of every two men and one out of every four women used alcohol during the previous 12 months, one out of every 10 older adults used tobacco and just one out of every 100 used any kind of drug in the last 12 months. Overall prevalence of substance use is higher in men, with the exception of medical drugs. Outstanding associated factors in substance use were sex and higher socioeconomic levels. This is the first study in the country on substance use in dwelling elderly, not living in institutions. Alcohol use, even risky drinking, is not uncommon, smoking tobacco habits do not disappear with age, and medical drug use can be of concern for its effects on other diseases. Therefore, it becomes necessary to establish definitions of risky use for this population and develop appropriate intervention programs for this population group.

Keywords : Alcohol; tobacco; drugs; eldery; prevalence and associated factors.

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