Prevalencia y factores asociados al consumo y abuso de bebidas alcohólicas, en adolescentes del colegio José Benigno Iglesias Biblián-Ecuador 2024-2025

Abstract

Alcoholic beverage consumption during adolescence constitutes a public health problem due to its early onset and its physical, emotional, and social repercussions, which may affect academic performance, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being. Objective: To analyze the frequency of alcohol consumption and related factors among students at the José Benigno Iglesias Educational Unit during the 2024–2025 academic period. Methodology: A quantitative, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted using census sampling of 282 students who met the inclusion criteria. The AUDIT questionnaire and a survey on psychosocial factors were administered. Results: Fifty-five percent (55%) of adolescents reported having consumed alcohol at least once, and 40% showed indications of risky or harmful alcohol consumption or possible dependence. Higher alcohol consumption was associated with male sex, middle or late adolescence, frequent attendance at parties, romantic disappointments, maternal migration, and parental permissiveness (p < 0.001). Reading, sports activities, and listening to music were significantly associated with protective factors (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A high prevalence of alcohol consumption was evidenced. Identifying risk and protective factors is essential for designing preventive strategies adapted to the canton’s educational and social context. Keywords: adolescent, alcoholism, adolescent behavior, risk factors, protective factors, prevalence.