Introduction. Distress tolerance is a transdiagnostic factor for a broad range of psychological disorders. The evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) and its brief version for Spanish-speaking South American individuals is limited. Method. We examined the psychometric properties of the full and brief forms of the Spanish version of the DTS in a sample of 514 (70.6% female) Argentinian college students who completed an online survey. We examined evidence of structure validity and measurement invariance by sex. We estimated Cronbach Alpha and McDonald Omega indexes to analyse internal consistency and bivariate correlations to examine evidence of concurrent validity. Results. The hierarchical four-factor model showed the best fit to the data for the full version. The brief form (four items with the highest factor loading within each dimension of the full version) also showed an acceptable fit to the data. Measurement invariance across sex was established and both versions exhibited adequate values of internal consistency and evidence of concurrent validity. Conclusions. The full and brief form of the DTS is valid and reliable for Argentinian populations and it may be helpful in identifying those at risk (i.e., low DTS scores) for developing mental health problems.
Introduction: Energy drink consumption among medical students is high and has been associated with cardiovascular disturbances, sleep problems, and risk behaviors. Valid psychometric instruments adapted to the university context are therefore needed. This study aimed to assess the dimensionality and psychometric properties of the General Addiction Questionnaire (EAG), adapted to energy drink consumption. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 257 medical students. The main variable was energy drink addiction, assessed using 11 dichotomous items (true/false). Multiple Correspondence Analysis was performed to explore the internal structure, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis within a structural equation modelling framework was used to corroborate the validity of the model. Results: The questionnaire showed a two-dimensional structure that explained 47.8% of the total variance. The first dimension, associated with loss of control and compulsive use, showed adequate internal consistency (? = .799), whereas the second dimension, related to self-control and withdrawal, showed lower reliability (? = .614). The fit indices confirmed good model performance (RMSEA = .039; CFI = .989; TLI = .986). Conclusions: The adapted questionnaire showed acceptable validity and internal consistency, supporting its use as a brief and useful tool for detecting problematic energy drink consumption among medical students.
Objective: We examined whether rearranging the order of items and response options in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) could improve its psychometric properties. Method: We conducted a 2x2 factorial experiment with an Argentinian general population sample (n=1128; M=37.29 years, SD=11.93; 75.9% cis-women). We randomly assigned participants to one of four AUDIT versions, varying the order of item presentation (alcohol consumption first vs. alcohol-related problems first) and response options ("never" to "daily/almost daily" vs. reverse order). Results: Versions presenting alcohol-related problems first showed higher reliability. The version with alcohol-related problems first and response options in reverse order had the highest internal consistency (?=.88). Endorsement for alcohol-related problems was also higher in these versions, regardless of response option order. The versions presenting items about alcohol-related problems first also showed better item performance, regardless of the response options' order. Conclusions: the order of response options seems irrelevant, but presenting items about alcohol-related problems first appears to enhance the AUDIT's performance. This change could facilitate the adequate identification of people needing assistance from health services, which future studies should further explore.
Tusi or tusibí is a psychoactive substance with a highly variable composition, frequently misidentified as 2C-B and referred to as "pink cocaine" in media and law enforcement narratives. Originating in Colombia, its use has spread throughout Latin America and Europe, including Spain, particularly in recreational settings. Although its general prevalence remains low, studies conducted between 2020 and 2024 report annual use rates of 15–20?% among recreational drug users. Analysis of 470 samples reveals that tusi primarily contains ketamine (93.2?%) and MDMA (92.1?%), with minimal presence of 2C-B (3.6?%) and cocaine (0.2?%). It is mostly consumed intranasally, often in combination with alcohol or other substances such as MDMA, increasing associated risks. Major harms are linked to the unpredictability of its composition, the misinformation surrounding its identity, and polydrug use. The findings underscore the need for harm reduction strategies, improved public information, and enhanced drug monitoring systems. .
Introduction. The growing evidence of cannabis (CN) use in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) has increased interest in the study of the cognitive effects of CN in this population. Although some studies report superior cognitive functioning, other studies are contradictory. The objective was to compare cognitive functioning in CN users with SCZ (n=25), patients with SCZ without substance use (n=26) and healthy controls (n=25) between 18 and 35 years old. Method. Comparisons in sociodemographic and clinical variables and use characteristics were carried out using general linear models, Student's t and Chi squared test. Variables with significant differences were used to predict inclusion in the groups using multinomial and binary logistic regression. Neuropsychological tests and characteristics of CN consumption were correlated. Results. Although no differences in cognitive functioning were observed between groups with SCZ, the affected domains differed when compared to healthy controls. Age and results on different neuropsychological tests predicted inclusion in the SCZ+CN group. Significant correlations were found between the number of cannabis cigarettes (CN) consumed per week and the composite score of the perceptual reasoning index. Additionally, a significant relationship was observed between the CN abstinence period and performance on the Card Sorting subtest of the CCB within the BANFE. Conclusions. CN consumers with SCZ constitute a different subgroup of patients. Cannabis use characteristics correlate with scores from cognitive domains. Therefore, the approach must be differential.
Introduction. The PHQ-9 is a scarcely explored instrument from the perspective of item response theory (IRT), particularly in clinical samples with alcohol use problems. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to provide validity evidence for the PHQ-9 based on IRT. Method. A total of 484 individuals with alcohol use problems were selected from the Peruvian national survey (ENDES); 82% were male, and the remaining 17% were female. The study employed a cross-sectional, instrumental design within the framework of IRT, specifically using Samejima’s graded response model. Unidimensionality of the construct was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis, followed by evaluation of model fit indices for a single factor. Additionally, item discrimination and difficulty parameters were examined, along with item and test characteristic curves, among other analyses. Results. The initial factor analysis supported the unidimensionality of the model, which was further confirmed by adequate IRT model fit indices (RMSEA = .062, SRMSR = .068, TLI = .972, CFI = .979). Item 4 (fatigue) showed the highest discrimination, while item 9 (suicidal ideation) exhibited the greatest difficulty. Moreover, the response option “more than half the days” showed a low probability of being selected. Additionally, the depression construct significantly predicted alcohol use (? = 0.24, p < .001). Conclusion. The PHQ-9 is a psychometric instrument suitable for use in clinical populations with alcohol use problems.
Introduction. The Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS-4) is the most widely used instrument for assessing sensation seeking worldwide. A review of the literature revealed no studies reporting its psychometric properties in the Colombian population. Method. The aim of this study was to estimate the psychometric properties of the SSS-4 in a sample of Colombian adults (n = 800). Results. The results indicated adequate linguistic adaptation based on item clarity evaluations. Reliability was acceptable, with internal consistency indices from McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha (? and ? values of .75). Validity evidence based on relationships with other constructs showed significant positive correlations with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (r? = .38, p < .001) and its dimensions. Regarding internal structure, exploratory factor analysis (n = 400) suggested unidimensionality, which was confirmed via confirmatory factor analysis (n = 400) with good model fit indices. Measurement invariance was found across sex and occupational status, allowing for valid score comparisons across these groups. Conclusions. The SSS-4 demonstrates adequate psychometric properties in terms of reliability and validity in a Colombian sample. However, some limitations are discussed, and future research directions are proposed.
Introduction: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are chronic brain conditions with significant neurological consequences, yet the specific neurological effects of psychoactive substances remain insufficiently characterized. This systematic review investigates the neurological sequelae and comorbidities associated with psychoactive substance abuse. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we addressed the question: What are the neurological effects and comorbidities of psychoactive substance use in addiction? A search of EBSCO, Web of Science, and PubMed identified 330 articles (1967–2023), with 13 studies meeting inclusion criteria after rigorous screening. Results: Stimulants, opioids, cannabis, and hallucinogens were linked to stroke, with risk modulated by substance purity, administration routes (e.g., intravenous use), and polysubstance combinations. Opioids contributed to ischemic strokes via cardiac arrhythmias and haemorrhagic strokes through vasculitis or hypertension. Current substance users exhibited a 13.8% stroke incidence and higher mortality. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) were associated with pre-injury opioid, alcohol, and cannabis use, worsening post-injury complications such as infections and poor rehabilitation outcomes. Demographically, younger individuals with SCI reported higher cocaine and hallucinogen use, while older adults showed greater tobacco and alcohol dependence. Conclusions: Psychoactive substance use elevates risks of stroke and SCI through neurotoxic, vascular, and behavioral mechanisms. These findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated clinical models that address addiction and neurological comorbidities simultaneously. Multidisciplinary approaches, combining neurology and addiction care, are critical to mitigating long-term disability. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to unravel chronic neurodegenerative outcomes and refine harm-reduction strategies. This work advocates for policy reforms to expand access to evidence-based SUD treatments, particularly in underserved populations.
Introduction. Smoking is a long-standing problem that harms people and communities. Various agencies have been trying to design proactive initiatives, but they still struggle to find solutions to prevent illnesses and deaths caused by smoking. Despite numerous attempts to quit, many individuals still struggle to withdraw from this addiction. Hence, this study was conducted to explore the reasons why quitting smoking is challenging for early adult men. Methods. Using a qualitative phenomenological research design, twenty research participants expressed their reasons through in-depth interviews. Results. This study reveals that early adult men continue to smoke despite knowing its health risks due to smoking's perceived role in completing their day, aiding digestion after meals, and providing a deceptive sense of relaxation. Additionally, the difficulties in withdrawing from smoking are attributed to fears of developing smoking-related diseases, the body's adaptation to nicotine's addictive effects, peer influence, intense cravings, and challenges in regulating psychological and emotional responses during withdrawal. These findings highlight the interplay of psychological, social, and habitual factors that sustain smoking habits among early adult men. Conclusions. The study concludes that a combination of ingrained daily routines, social influences, and intense physical and psychological dependencies hinders smoking cessation. Effective smoking cessation interventions must address these challenges, incorporating strategies for emotional regulation, peer support, and tailored therapies to mitigate cravings and withdrawal symptoms. By understanding and targeting the specific reasons for continued smoking and difficulties in cessation, more effective public health strategies can be developed to reduce smoking rates and improve health outcomes in this demographic.
Introduction. Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is common in adolescents undergoing psychopathological treatment. This study analyzes the prevalence of PIU and its associations with sociodemographic, psychopathological, and personality characteristics in a clinical sample of adolescents. Additionally, it assesses the usefulness of the Internet Addiction Test - Youth version (IAT-Y) and its parent version (IAT-P) in detecting the clinical diagnosis of "Internet Addiction". Method. Ninety-two adolescents (12-17 years old) from child and youth mental health centers in two Spanish cities, and one of their parents, participated in the study. Adolescents reported their Internet use, personality traits and disorders, behavioral problems (internalizing and externalizing), and other sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Parents reported their children's Internet use and behavioral problems. Results. The analysis revealed that 17.4% of patients received the clinical diagnosis of "Internet Addiction" based on the adapted DSM-5 criteria for "Internet Gaming Disorder". A total of 8.7% of young people (according to the IAT-Y) and 41.3% of parents (according to the IAT-P) recognized severe PIU (score ≥ 70). The IAT-Y score was positively associated with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems and with worse family functioning. It also correlated negatively with Agreeableness and Conscientiousness traits and positively with Neuroticism traits, as well as symptoms of Schizotypal, Histrionic, Borderline, and Avoidant Personality Disorders. Finally, the IAT-P was more accurate than the IAT-Y in detecting the diagnosis of "Internet Addiction". Conclusions. These findings underline the need to evaluate patients with PIU in personality, psychopathology, and family variables to tailor treatments according to the rest of the associated problems. Furthermore, evidence is provided on the usefulness of the IAT, especially the parents’ version (IAT-P) in the early detection of "Internet Addiction Disorder" in adolescents with mental disorders.
Objective: to characterize epidemiologically the users of two methadone maintenance programs in two cities of Colombia. Methods: cross-sectional analytical observational study that analyzed the clinical records of patients in two methadone maintenance programs in Medellin and Cali during the year 2022. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed. Results: 250 patients between 17 and 67 years of age participated with a median age of 33 years (RIC = 29 - 38). 80.4% (n=201) were men, heroin was the main opioid for which they were admitted with a proportion of 88.8% (n=222), followed by tramadol; 27.6% (n=69) shared syringes for intravenous use and 92.0% (n=230) reported consuming two or more drugs at the same time, with marijuana and cocaine being the main substances consumed simultaneously with opioids. The most prevalent comorbidities were: personality disorders, hepatitis C infection and illegal behavior. Conclusions: intravenous heroin use and syringe sharing were associated with an increased risk of hepatitis C and HIV. A novel finding is the admission of individuals to the program for exclusive use of tramadol, which, although it is related to global trends in the phenomenon of abuse of opioids for medical use, has not been a frequent event in the Colombian context.
Introduction: Emotional dependence is an addictive behavior and presents as a psychosocial problem in the relationship, being an important factor in developing violence against women. Objective: Analyze emotional dependence and the rate of violence against women in Peru according to sociodemographic variables. Method: The study was correlational, quantitative, non-experimental cross-sectional. 1,236 women participated, intentionally chosen after having experienced some form of violence in a relationship. Two validated measurement instruments were used to identify emotional dependence and violence against women; in addition, sociodemographic information was included (age, area of ​​residence, level of education, occupation, and romantic relationship). Non-parametric tests were used for data analysis. Results: A low significant positive correlation was found between the variables; the rate of violence is severe in many of the participants and the level of emotional dependence on the partner was moderate. Conclusions: Emotional dependence is a variable that causes the increase in violence against women, therefore, according to the sociodemographic variables, the youngest women who reside in urban areas are the most emotionally dependent, likewise, violence towards women is a social problem that does not distinguish any woman from potentially being a victim of violence, with adult women who maintain a relationship with their partner and are economically dependent being the most exposed to severe violence.
Introduction. The world population experiences an increase in Elders (PAM) from 12% to 22% by the year 2050. An increase in mental health diseases, such as depression, anxiety and stress are seen in this population group. Objective. Know the Mindfulness-based techniques and its effects on the mental health of the PAM. Method. Conducted through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA); Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials of articles with the application of Mindfulness-based techniques that had an effect on mental health were included; search carried out in the databases: MedLine/PubMed, Wiley, Science Direct, Virtual Library of Health (BVS) and others; risk of bias assessment according to Cochrane guidelines. Results. 13 articles were included where it was found that Mindfulness-based techniques have a positive effect on the mental health of the PAM, where the MBSR was the most used technique. Conclusions. The use of Mindfulness-based techniques is recommended as a scientifically based and low-cost way to improve the mental health of PAM.
Introduction. The incursion of the internet has generated a new context of socialization and materialization of bullying. Internet addiction refers to the inability not to use or set limits to the use of the Internet, through the loss of control over its use and dependence. Method. A non-experimental, descriptive-correlational design was used to analyze the relationship between Internet addiction, cyberbullying, and socio-demographic factors in Spanish Vocational Training students. Non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used to select a sample of 1.070 students from 13 educational centers in 6 Spanish Autonomous Communities from different areas. A self-administered questionnaire was applied, constructed from the Likert scale to assess Internet addiction and the Spanish version of the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire. For data analysis, parametric analyses were carried out and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated between the scales applied. Results. The results showed that the levels of internet addiction are high and the levels of cyberbullying are medium; Likewise, a positive correlation was identified between both scales. Conclusions. The development of emotional and social skills skills may appear as protective factors to prevent both internet addiction and cyberviolence.
El uso de redes sociales en el Perú incrementó considerablemente a partir del confinamiento social por la Covid-19 y trajo consigo un riesgo de adicción a ellas. El problema de la adicción a redes sociales y la procrastinación académica se encuentran hoy perjudicando principalmente a los universitarios. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la relación entre la adicción a redes sociales y la procrastinación académica de un grupo de universitarios limeños. A partir de un estudio cuantitativo de tipo transversal se encuestó a un total de 223 universitarios. Se utilizaron 4 instrumentos de recolección de datos: Cuestionario de Adicción a Redes Sociales - ARS (Escurra y Salas, 2014), Escala de riesgo de adicción adolescente a redes sociales e internet - ERA-RSI (Peris et al., 2018), Escala de procrastinación académica - EPA (Busko, 1998) y Escala adaptada de procrastinación de Tuckman – ATPS (Tuckman, 1990; Furlan, Piemontesi, Illbele y Sánchez-Rosas, 2010). Los resultados mostraron una relación positiva y de magnitud moderada entre los niveles de adicción a redes sociales y la procrastinación académica en la muestra de universitarios limeños (r= .49; p<0.010). Asimismo, un modelo de regresión múltiple evidenció que la adicción a redes sociales ejerció un efecto significativo sobre la procrastinación académica explicando el 26.4% de su varianza.
Introduction. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent nursing intervention using mindfulness and brief advice for the reduction of tobacco use, anxiety, stress, depressive symptoms, and the improvement of self-efficacy. Method. This was a quasi-experimental study with 41 participants, and the treatment consisted of an intervention composed of two strategies: the protocol “Programa de Intervención Breve para Adolescentes que Inician el Consumo de Alcohol y otras Drogas” for the brief advice” while the Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy program was used for mindfulness. The intervention lasted 10 weekly sessions; participants received phone calls and were given an audio CD to perform the mindfulness practices at home and a work manual to conduct self-records of consumption as well as guidance from reinforcement to help maintain motivation to behavior change. Results. The results show that these interventions were effective tools to reduce nicotine dependence (p=.001, d=1.14), the number of cigarettes smoked (p=.001, d=1.60), levels of cotinine in urine (p=.001), stress (p=.001, d=1.42), anxiety (p=.001, d=.90), and depressive symptoms (p=.001, d=.81), and increase self-efficacy (p=.001, d=1.48). Conclusions. The findings show that a multicomponent nursing intervention incorporating brief advice and mindfulness can be an effective treatment for people wishing to reduce or cease tobacco consumption.
After a traumatic event, people may have a variety of reactions. Most people will outgrow these symptoms, but some may continue to have them over time, and meet criteria for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD, by definition, is a problem of emotional and behavioural regulation. There are intrusive memories (or flashbacks) that the person tries to avoid (or dissociate), with an increase in hypervigilance and reactivity to stimuli reminiscent of the trauma, as well as cognitive symptoms and mood alterations. In terms of gender, the diagnosis of PTSD has been associated 2-3 times more often with females, due to physiological regulation as well as social and psychological factors (Olff, 2017). The poorly adaptive strategies that the person adopts to cope with stress involve emotional dysregulation, which is closely related to the presence of mental health problems and addictions, as recently developed by Latorre (2024) in an editorial in this journal.
A negative impact has been observed on family members of people who use substances. However, there is notinstrument to assess the negative consequences suffered by such family members. Therefore, the aim of theinvestigation was to construct and study the psychometric properties of a scale of family harm scale due tosubstance use (EDFUS). The design was instrumental where 455 people participated. Two samples were used; inthe first one, the internal structure was studied through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and in the second onethrough confirmatory factor analysis (CFA); also, internal consistency and convergent and divergent validity werestudied. The results showed a scale of 28 items, with 4 factors that emerged in the PFA: Behaviora A negative impact has been observed on family members who consume substances. However, there are few scales to assess the negative consequences suffered by such family members. Therefore, this investigation aimed to construct and study the psychometric properties of a Family Harm Scale due to Substance Use (EDFUS). The design was a psychometric study with 450 participants. Two samples were used: the internal structure was studied through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in the first sample, and through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in the second sample. Additionally, internal consistency, as well as convergent and divergent validity, were assessed. The results showed a scale of 28 items with four factors that emerged in the EFA: Behavioral Dysfunction (α=0.759; Ω=0.757), Family Dysfunction (α=0.876; Ω=0.879), Anxious-Depressive Symptoms (α=0.891; Ω=0.889), and Economic Problems (α=0.850; Ω=0.852). These factors were confirmed in the CFA (χ²/df=2.97; NFI=0.974; TLI=0.982; CFI=0.983; RMSEA=0.078). Finally, the convergent and divergent validity analyses were adequate, showing significant differences. The results indicated that the higher the consumption risk, the greater the family harm, and conversely, the higher the family functioning, the less the family harm. In conclusion, the EDFUS is useful and relevant, demonstrating very acceptable psychometric properties for the Mexican population.
Introduction. Brief interventions are used to prevent alcohol abuse in university students, but the effect of their application in different formats needs to be studied. Method. Randomized clinical trial with three groups: brief four-session program, brief advice and control group, in 50 participants, evaluated before the intervention, and at three and six months of follow-up. Results. Students who drank 100 or fewer standard drinks in the three months prior to the intervention decreased the amount of consumption in both interventions, but the change was not sig-nificant compared to the control group; On the other hand, the frequency of consumption decreased significantly in the second follow-up, when comparing the brief advice with the control group; There were also no significant di-fferences for situational self-efficacy and negative consequences between both interventions and the control group. Students who drank more than 100 standard drinks at the initial evaluation and received intervention significantly reduced the amount and frequency of consumption, and the negative consequences, mainly in the brief advice; Situational self-efficacy increased, but not significantly. Conclusions. Brief advice has a greater impact on change in students with risky and harmful alcohol consumption.
Introduction. indigenous people and victims of war are more vulnerable to substance use and require interventions specifically tailored to their needs. Object. to determine risk and protective factors and strategies for the prevention of substance use in indigenous people and victims of war. Method: a scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The carried-out steps were: Preparation of the question, objectives, theoretical and empirical framework; establishment of inclusion criteria; sample delimitation; extraction and systematization of sample data, reporting and analysis of results. Results. 1327 studies were identified, through Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions, the Virtual Health Library, and Google Scholar, of which 40 met the inclusion criteria. Cultural disconnection, trauma, exposure to violence, stigma and discrimination are significant risk factors. Conclusions. The approach from strategies designed with the community is more effective for prevention. In both populations, the factors involved and the strategies used coincide and indicate that it is indeed necessary to propose culturally grounded prevention programs that integrate interventions with empirical evidence and their cultural visions and practices.
