title: [Relationship between first-time drug use and first offense among adolescents in conflict with the law].
abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze a possible relationship between first experience with drugs and delinquency among adolescents in conflict with the law. In 2006, a cross-sectional study was conducted in facilities of the State Foundation for the Well-being of Minors (FEBEM), with a total occupancy of 312. The sample consisted of 150 male adolescents (48% of the total population) aged 12 to 21, confined for the first time in FEBEM detention centers for socio-educational rehabilitation in Sertãozinho and Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. An individual questionnaire with closed questions was used. Results showed high rates of first-time alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use, occurring concomitantly around 12 years. The most common offenses were robbery (44.7%), followed by drug traffic (29.4%), and theft (9.3%), occurring around 13. The data show that drug use occurs prior to offenses.
authors.affiliation: Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. maymartins@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Mayra Costa
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.forename: Sandra Cristina
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Pillon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D003415:Crime / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D016578:Crack Cocaine