Revista Internacional de Investigación en Adicciones

Prevalence of Electronic Cigarette Use among Secondary School Adolescents in Rionegro, Antioquia: A Local Survey

Luis Jaime Echeverri Vásquez — 2025-11-30

Introduction: electronic cigarette (EC) consumption among adolescents is an increasing global public health concern. Although there is national data in Colombia regarding this, local studies that describe this practice on specific contexts are scarce.

Objective: to determine the prevalence of electronic cigarette consumption among secondary school adolescents in Rionegro, Antioquia. Method: a quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2023 and February 2024, targeting students aged 13 to 18 from public and private educational institutions. A cluster probabilistic sampling method was used along with a structured 34-item digital questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, EC use, consumption patterns, and polysubstance consumption, applying descriptive and bivariate statistics.

Results: a total of 853 students from 10 institutions were included through multistage sampling, of which the average age was 15.3 years and 54.1% were female. Overall, 42.7% reported having used ECs at least once in their lifetime, with a mean initiation age of 13.8 years. Recent use (within the past month) was reported by 13.7%; the most used device type was open system, with nicotine being the most frequently reported substance (46.5%). Additionally, 67% reported alcohol consumption, 17% conventional cigarette smoking, and 6% psychoactive substance use. EC use was significantly associated with these behaviors (p < .001).

Discussion and conclusions: a high prevalence of EC use was observed among secondary school adolescents in Rionegro: 42.7% reported lifetime use and 13.7% recent use. These figures exceed the previously reported national data and are comparable to those in countries with established EC markets, which highlights the magnitude of this phenomenon at the local level.

Physical Activity and Nicotine Dependence among University Students

Iván Fernando Vargas Ignacio — 2025-11-30

Introduction: substance use has been identified as one of the main public health problems due to its short, medium, and long-term negative effects. Among the problems observed in the university population, the decrease in physical activity stands out.

Objective: to analyze the relationship between physical activity and the level of nicotine dependence in students at the Universidad Mexiquense del Bicentenario.

Method: this was a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study. The sample consisted of 250 university students. To assess the variables, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure levels of physical activity, and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence was applied to evaluate the level of nicotine dependence.

Results: a positive and significant correlation was identified between vigorous physical activity and the level of nicotine dependence (r² = .177; p = .031).

Discussion and conclusions: a positive and statistically significant relationship was identified between vigorous physical activity and the level of nicotine dependence among university students. Female students enrolled in health-related programs demonstrated greater commitment to self-care and the adoption of healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Exposure to Violence on Post-Traumatic Stress and Substance Use among Young Mexican People

Bertha L. Nuño-Gutiérrez — 2025-11-30

Introduction: direct and indirect violence are significant risk factors for the mental health of young people, leading to posttraumatic stress disorder and increasing the likelihood of substance use. Much of the existing literature has focused on assessing the effects of direct violence, thereby overlooking the study of indirect violence despite its potential impact.

Objective: this study aimed to analyze the differential effects of direct and indirect violence on post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology and the use of legal and illegal substances.

Method: the Structural Equation Modeling approach was used to examine the relationships among the variables in a quota-based sample of 2,277 university students aged 18 to 25 from ten public universities across Mexico.

Results: the findings indicated that exposure to direct violence was directly associated with higher levels of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, as well as increased use of legal and illegal substances. In contrast, indirect violence revealed a direct association with legal substance use and an indirect association with illegal substance use, mediated by post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology.

Discussion and conclusions: these results highlight the importance of incorporating both direct and indirect violence into early assessment frameworks and psychological intervention strategies targeting youth. Implications for the design of public mental health and substance use prevention policies are discussed, emphasizing the need to consider the structural contexts of violence that significantly affect young population.

Psychological Distress and Risk of Substance-Use Problems in Nursing during the Final Phase of the Pandemic

Miguel Ángel Villegas-Pantoja — 2025-11-30

Introduction: during the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing professionals faced high levels of psychological distress due to adverse working conditions. This distress may have increased the risk of illicit substance use and non-prescribed controlled medications as a dysfunctional coping strategy. However, few studies have explored the moderation of this relationship by individual factors.

Objective: to analyze the effect of psychological distress on the risk of problems related to illicit substance use among nursing professionals during the final phase of the pandemic, considering the moderating role of age.

Method: predictive study with non-probabilistic sampling in four hospitals in Tamaulipas, Mexico. A sample of 217 nursing professionals was used. The DASS-21 and DAST-10 instruments were administered along with a sociodemographic questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses and moderation tests were conducted.

Results: a positive correlation was found between psychological distress and the risk of illicit substance use (rs = .152, p < .05). The overall regression model was statistically significant (F = 10.164, p < .01, R² = 19.4%), and distress was a significant predictor of substance use risk (B = .046, p < .01), even after including covariates. Age moderated this relationship, with a stronger effect observed among participants under 40 years.

Discussion and conclusions: psychological distress increases the risk of illicit substance use, particularly among younger professionals, highlighting the need for age-sensitive and context-specific prevention and psychosocial support programs to reduce risks and protect the mental health of healthcare personnel.

Depression, Anxiety, Stress and their Relationship with Marijuana Use in Nursing Students

Liliana Elizabeth Calderón Botello — 2025-11-30

Introduction: mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress currently represent a significant challenge for mental health at the global. Recent studies in Mexico, Braziland Chile have shown a positive and significant relationship between depression, anxiety, stress and marijuana use in university nursing students.

Objective: to establish the relationship between depression, anxiety, stress and marijuana use presented by students in nursing.

Method: a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design was used; the sample was made up of 290 students in nursing ages ranging from 17 to 38 years using a probabilistic, systematic random sampling, a personal data card and prevalence of marijuana use and the DASS-21 scale were used.

Results: Sperman's correlation analysis shows a positive and significant relationship between the amount of marijuana consumption and depression, anxiety, stress, and frequency use (p < 0.05).

Discussion and conclusions: the study identified a positive and significant relationship between depression, anxiety, stress and marijuana use, supported by several authors. Consistent marijuana use can tax these symptoms, especially in nursing students. The need for preventive interventions in mental health to protect their well-being, academic performance, and future clinical practice is emphasized.

Psychosocial Factors Associated with Experimental and Risky Alcohol Consumption among School-Attending Adolescents

Laura Rocío Juárez-García — 2025-11-30

Introduction: alcohol consumption constitutes a global public health problem. In recent years, increasing prevalence has been observed among adolescents, a particularly vulnerable population given the consequences of alcohol use. Certain psychosocial factors influence both the likelihood of initiating consumption and the progression toward risky patterns. Understanding the interaction of these factors is essential for designing timely preventive strategies.

Objective: to analyze the relationship of psychosocial factors with experimental and risky alcohol-consumption patterns among school-attending adolescents.

Method: a quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with n = 505 adolescents from secondary and high school, aged 11 to 18 years (M = 13.83, SD = 1.54). Statistical analyses included group comparison tests and binary logistic regression models to explore the interaction between psychosocial predictors of experimental and risky alcohol consumption.

Results: psychosocial variables such as age, impulsivity, socioemotional competencies, nicotine use, family composition, and work activity showed significant associations (p < .001) with alcohol consumption. Regression models were significant and demonstrated an increased probability of presenting experimental (R² = .284) and risky (R² = .261) consumption patterns as a function of these psychosocial variables, with correct classification rates of 73.5% and 78.4%, respectively.

Discussion and conclusions: these findings revealed the simultaneous interaction of psychosocial variables influencing the onset and development of risky alcohol consumption patterns. These results provide evidence that can inform the design of effective prevention strategies.

Effects of a Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention on Binge Drinking in Female University Students

María Guadalupe Cruz-Maldonado — 2025-11-30

Introduction: binge drinking has increased among female university students in recent years. This pattern poses greater risks for women compared to men; however, their rate of seeking professional help remains low, and existing treatments are typically targeted at male or mixed populations. Brief interventions based on the cognitive-behavioral model have demonstrated effectiveness in modifying this risk behavior.

Objective: evaluate the effect of a brief cognitive-behavioral intervention (BCBI) in undergraduate female students with binge drinking episodes.

Method: a single case with an intrasubject replication design was used with six participants who reported at least one episode of binge drinking in the past 180 days. Changes in alcohol consumption (in terms of standard drinks [SD], frequency, and duration), perceived self-efficacy, and readiness to change were assessed. Data analysis included calculating level and trend for the SD variable, Nonoverlap of All Pairs (NAP) Index, Objective Clinical Change (OCC), Reliable Change Index (RCIJT), and numerical rating scales (NRS).

Results: gradual reductions were observed in the amount of SD consumed and the frequency of binge drinking episodes, along with improvements in perceived self-efficacy and readiness to modify drinking habits.

Discussion and conclusions: the findings suggest that BCBIs tailored to the specific needs of women are a promising strategy for preventing binge drinking and its associated risks. Brief, remote, and gender-sensitive intervention adaptations are beneficial for reducing episodes of use in this population.

Efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Women with Methamphetamine Addiction: A Literature Review

Julia Lizeth Villarreal Mata — 2025-11-30

Introduction: dialectical behavioral therapy, derived from cognitive-behavioral science, focuses on context, function, and awareness to reduce or avoid psychological and physical distress through adaptive strategies. In methamphetamine addiction, this therapy stands out for its focus on craving, a factor that can predispose women with substance abuse problems to relapse.

Objective: to analyze empirical evidence on the application of dialectical behavioral therapy in women with methamphetamine addiction during the period from 2012 to 2023.

Method: the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method was employed, and the databases consulted included PubMed, EBSCO, OVID, SCOPUS, Wiley Online Library, and ScienceDirect. Of the 1,240 articles identified, two met the criteria for analysis.

Results: the selected articles examined adult women with an education beyond the secondary level, predominantly of white ethnicity, unemployed, and single, who participated after a detoxification period. One study specifically analyzed the effectiveness of dialectical behavioral therapy in methamphetamine addiction, while the other addressed multiple substances, including alcohol, marijuana, and medications, in addition to methamphetamine.

Discussion and conclusions: dialectical behavioral therapy shows promising results in women with methamphetamine addiction, since it promotes craving control, emotional regulation, and impulse management, with benefits sustained for at least six months. Although research remains limited, its application in addiction treatment has gained increased support in the scientific literature.

Scientific Production on Pornography Addiction: A Bibliometric Review of the Last 30 Years

Shilia Lisset Vargas Echeverría — 2025-11-30

Introduction: this study analyzes scientific production on pornography addiction over the past 30 years, reflecting its growing academic and clinical relevance.

Objective: to identify research patterns, key authors, and international collaborations on pornography addiction.

Method: a bibliometric analysis was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, and Dimensions. A total of 351 articles published between 1994 and 2024 were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: India, Canada, and the United Kingdom lead scientific production and J.B. Grubbs emerged as the most prolific author. Four thematic clusters were identified: clinical diagnosis, psychological factors, neuroscience, and clinical trials.

Discussion and conclusions: the findings reflect significant publication growth since 2015, underscoring the increasing interest in pornography addiction as a public health issue. Further research is needed in underrepresented regions like Latin America and Africa.

Prevention of Biopsychosocial Complications in Adolescents who Consume Addictive Substances: Integrative Review

Alejandra De La Cruz-Martínez — 2025-11-30

Introduction: the beginning of the consumption of addictive substances in adolescents has severe implications for their long-term health, enabling the development of diseases, emotional problems and social isolation. The adoption of consumer habits can lead to abuse and dependence and have a biopsychosocial impact.

Objective: identify the main biopsychosocial complications in adolescents who consume addictive substances.

Method: the methodology proposed by Toronto & Remington (2020) was used; the process of evaluation and selection of articles with a quantitative approach, the eligibility criteria instrument for the selection of research articles (ICrESAI) was used and the evaluation of randomized clinical trials using a checklist with consolidated standards for trial reporting (Consort).

Results: 18 articles were analyzed, ten of them RCTs, seven RCT pilot studies, and one longitudinal quantitative study.

Discussion and conclusions: three intervention approaches to the consumption of addictive substances in adolescents were found, which respond to biological, psychological and social complications that impact the growth and development of adolescents. The consumption of alcohol, marijuana and nicotine is related to the impact on mental health, which leads to an increase in offending behavior, car accidents and self-inflicted violence. There is a need to structure prevention interventions against the consumption of addictive substances with an impact on mitigating complications that compromise the mental health of adolescents.

Vaping and Public Health: Scientific Evidence, Therapeutic Controversies, and Regulatory Challenges in Adolescents

Carmen Fernández-Cáceres — 2025-11-30

Several types of electronic cigarettes or vapes are currently available on the market. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies them into two categories: electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS) (WHO, 2016). Both have health implications, as they operate in a comparable way (WHO, 2020). Moreover, health alerts have been issued because some products labeled as ENNDS contain nicotine despite their packaging indicating otherwise (Guraka et al., 2024; Miller et al., 2021; Omaiye et al., 2017). These devices operate using a battery and a metal heating element that vaporizes a mixture of substances known as electronic liquids (e-liquids), producing aerosols that are inhaled and exhaled by the user, a practice known as vaping (Baldassarri, 2020).