Epidemiologic Observatory on drugs, internet use and electronic games in a University

Abstract

An Epidemiological Observatory was designed to ascertain the use of psychoactive substances (S.A.S.) and the use of the Internet in the Universidad Católica de Columbia. A questionnaire had been administered on prevalence of use, sociodemographical and psychosocial factors, in addition to other factors relating to the use of S.A.S, Internet and electronic games. In the survey on prevalence, a life prevalence of 71.2% and 93.5% was found for cigarettes and alcohol respectively. The one month prevalence was 41.2% and 65,7%. Last month prevalences for illegal substances were 8%, 0% and 6.1% for marijuana, base paste and cocaine. The use of the Internet was 68.8% and electronic games 55.5% in the last month. An index of difficulties associated with the use of S.A.S, the Internet and electronic games was designed, differences being found according to semester, faculty and gender. A multiaxial programme of epidemiological vigilance denominated V.I.P. (Value, Initiative and Projection) was developed in parallel and assessed by expert judges. It comprised modules of Detection on admission to the University, Monitoring the risk factors, Mapping temporal type risks, Detection by reference, Registration of cases, Support groups, Evolution Phase and finally, the Evaluation module, with the objective of contributing information to establish prevention and intervention strategies.