The prevalence of inhalant use and associated factors among adolescents in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Abstract

The scope of this study was to establish the prevalence of inhalant use among adolescents and its association with marijuana use, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status and gender. A cross-sectional study was performed with a representative sample of 891 adolescents from public and private schools in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Data were collected using two self-administered questionnaires: the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT C). The socioeconomic status was evaluated using the Social Vulnerability Index, mother's education level and type of school (public or private). The data were analyzed using the chi-square test (p < 0.05) and logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of inhalant use was 7.9%. No significant association was found between the use of inhalants and socioeconomic status after the logistic regression analysis. Inhalant use among adolescents was associated with marijuana use (OR: 4.61; 95% CI: 2.27 - 9.36) and with binge drinking (OR: 5.02; 95% CI: 2.57 - 9.81).