Illicit drug use in seven Latin American countries: critical perspectives of families and familiars.
This cross-sectional multi-centre study explored how family members and friends of illicit drug users perceived protective and risk factors, treatment facilities and policies and laws regarding illicit drug use. Family members and friends of illicit drug users were recruited in 10 urban health care outpatient units in 7 Latin American countries (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico) to complete a questionnaire. The majority of the respondents chose psycho-social factors over genetic or biological explanations as causes of drug problems. Respondents felt that families and governments were responsible for preventing drug problems. Church/religious institutions were most often mentioned in the context of accessible treatment. When asked about access to treatment facilities, the majority said that there were not enough. Shame about drug use, cost, and limited treatment options were most often cited as barriers to treatment.
Silva
Jaqueline da
Jd
Escola de Enfermagem Anna Nery, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. jackiedasilva@hotmail.com
Ventura
Carla Aparecida Arena
CA
Vargens
Octavio Muniz da Costa
OM
Loyola
Cristina Maria Douat
CM
Albarracín
Daniel Gonzalo Eslava
DG
Diaz
Jorge
J
Funes
Gladys Magdalena Rodríguez
GM
Hernández
Mabell Granados
MG
Torres
Ruth Magdalena Gallegos
RM
Rodriguez
Ruth Jakeline Oviedo
RJ
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D007843:Latin America; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D013287:Illicit Drugs