[Early detection of addictive behaviour in primary health care. Use of MULTICAGE CAD-4].
OBJECTIVE
To find out the frequency of specific disorders within the general population using primary healthcare relating to the control of impulses with addictive risk.


METHODS
A cross-sectional descriptive study.


METHODS
Urban health centre, Area 9 of the Madrid Health Service (Spain).


METHODS
A total of 457 patients who came to primary care (PA) were selected by consecutive sampling.


METHODS
Self-completion of the MULTICAGE-CAD4 survey (which measure eight scales for the risky behaviour being studied).


RESULTS
There was a risk in at least one of the scales in 46.4% of the sample, of which 17.3% (13.7-20.9) showed risky behaviour on the alcohol scale; 9% (6.2-11.7) for other drugs; 4.4% (2.4-6.4) for gambling; 9.4% (6.6-12.2) for addiction to the Internet; 4.8% (2.7-6.7) for addiction to videogames; 18.8% (15.1-22.5) for eating disorders; 16% (12.5-19.4) for compulsive shopping and 5.5% (3.3-7.7) for addiction to sex. The occurrence of addiction to alcohol, gambling and sex were higher for men, while eating disorders were more prevalent in women.


CONCLUSIONS
We are facing a widespread set of problems related to addictions that are often hidden; this study shows that these addictions can be detected within primary healthcare by effective screening tools such as MULTICAGE CAD-4, which is both economic, and easy to implement within primary healthcare centres.
Rodríguez Monje
M Teresa
MT
Centro de Salud M, Angeles López Gómez, Salud Madrid, Leganés, Madrid, España. maitelias@hotmail.com
Pedrero Pérez
Eduardo J
EJ
Fernández Girón
Mercedes
M
Gallardo Alonso
Fernando
F
Sanz Cuesta
Teresa
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult