Risk factors in Latin American women with substance abuse

Abstract

Introduction: Drug abuse is a serious public and social health issue. Latina women are particularly vulnerable due to the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Identifying these risk factors is crucial for developing prevention and treatment strategies tailored to this group.

Objective and methods: This article aims to investigate the main risk factors linked to substance use and abuse among Latin American women. An observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted in the Gynecology Department of a general hospital in northern Guayaquil, Ecuador. Women over 18 years old were included and divided into two age groups: 18 to 30 years and over 30 years. Instruments such as the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Drug Use Disorder Identification Test (DUDIT) were utilized.

Results: 45% of participants reported experiencing domestic violence (DV). 35% of women with a history of DV met criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. Depression was common, especially among the 18- to 30-year-old group. Alcohol use was highest in this age group (40%). Illicit drug use was 15% within the same group, primarily influenced by the partner's substance use. Additionally, 60% of women with active substance use had partners who also used.

Conclusion: Domestic violence is a common experience among women with addiction, with many victims turning to substances as a way to cope with trauma or depression. The prevalence of depression mediates the relationship between violence and substance use. Furthermore, illicit drug use in the younger group is closely related to partner use.