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Objective: To investigate the association of alcohol and cocaine use with urban violence (both as victim and as perpetrator) in a representative sample of the Brazilian population. Method: The Second Brazilian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (II BNADS) interviewed 4607 individuals aged 14years and older from the Brazilian household population including an oversample of 1157 adolescents (14 to 18years old). The survey gathered information on alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances use as well as on risk factors for abuse and dependence, behaviors associated with the use of substances and the possible consequences, as urban violence indicators. Results: Approximately 9.3% of the Brazilian population has been victim of at least one form of urban violence. This proportion increases to 19.7% among cocaine users and to 18.1% among individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD). Perpetration of violence was reported by 6.2% of the sample. Cocaine use and AUD increased in almost four times the chances of being an aggressor. Being religious and married decreased the chances of being a victim and/or perpetrador of urban violence. Higher education also decreased the chances of involvement in both victimization or perpetration of violence. Both Parallel Mediation Models considering cocaine use as a predictor of urban violence (victimization or perpetration) were valid and alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms were mediators of this relationship. Conclusions: This study presents relevant data of interest to Brazil as this country is one of the major consumer market of cocaine and also is among the most violent countries worldwide. Keywords: Urban violence, Cocaine, Alcohol use disorder, Household survey, Epidemiology

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate nationally representative prevalence rates of amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use and to identify consumption-associated factors, proposing a conditional model of direct and indirect consumption paths. Method: Using data from the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey, this cross-sectional study analyzed a subsample of 3,828 participants between 15 and 64 years old, gathering information on the use of psychoactive substances in a probabilistic sample of the Brazilian household population. Results: Rates of lifetime and last-year ATS use were, respectively, 4.1 and 1.6%. Economically privileged individuals and users of other substances were more at risk for using ATS. The results suggest that higher education decreases the chances of ATS consumption. The conditional model showed that higher income increased ATS use, higher education lowered the odds of such an increase, and cocaine use cancelled that associative effect. Conclusion: Brazil presents high rates of ATS use. Prevention and treatment strategies should focus on the protective effect of higher education levels and should target polydrug use. Knowledge of ATS-associated factors and user profiles is the starting point for developing effective treatments and tailored prevention strategies.

Objective: To perform a construct validation of the List of Threatening Events Questionnaire (LTE-Q), as well as convergence validation by identifying its association with drug use in a sample of the Brazilian population. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey (II BNADS), which used a cross-cultural adaptation of the LTE-Q in a probabilistic sample of 4,607 participants aged 14 years and older. Latent class analysis was used to validate the latent trait adversity (which considered the number of events from the list of 12 item in the LTE experienced by the respondent in the previous year) and logistic regression was performed to find its association with binge drinking and cocaine use. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis returned a chi-square of 108.341, weighted root mean square residual (WRMR) of 1.240, confirmatory fit indices (CFI) of 0.970, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) of 0.962, and root mean square error approximation (RMSEA) score of 1.000. LTE-Q convergence validation showed that the adversity latent trait increased the chances of binge drinking by 1.31 time and doubled the chances of previous year cocaine use (adjusted by sociodemographic variables). Conclusion: The use of the LTE-Q in Brazil should be encouraged in different research fields, including large epidemiological surveys, as it is also appropriate when time and budget are limited. The LTE-Q can be a useful tool in the development of targeted and more efficient prevention strategies.

Introduction: Urban emergency departments (ED) provide care to populations with multiple health-related and overlapping risk factors, many of which are associated with intimate partner violence (IPV). We examine the 12-month rate of physical IPV and its association with multiple joint risk factors in an urban ED. Methods: Research assistants surveyed patients regarding IPV exposure, associated risk factors, and other sociodemographic features. The joint occurrence of seven risk factors was measured by a variable scored 0–7 with the following risk factors: depression; adverse childhood experiences; drug use; impulsivity; post-traumatic stress disorder; at-risk drinking; and partner’s score on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The survey (N = 1037) achieved an 87.5% participation rate. Results: About 23% of the sample reported an IPV event in the prior 12 months. Logistic regression showed that IPV risk increased in a stepwise fashion with the number of present risk factors, as follows: one risk factor (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] [3.09]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47–6.50; p

Background: Urban emergency department (ED) patients have elevated smoking and substance use compared with the general population. We analyzed gender differences in smoking among an urban ED sample and assessed the contribution of substance use, demographic, and couple factors. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data obtained from a cross-sectional, observational survey (N = 1037 participants) on drinking, drug use, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Gender-specific logistic regression models for current (past 30-day) smoking and multinomial regression models for smoking intensity (light: ⩽5 cigarettes per day [CPD]; moderate: 6 to 10 CPD; heavier: >10 CPD) were estimated. Results: Smoking prevalence was higher among men than women (35.5% vs 18.9%; P < .001). Substance use (frequency of intoxication, marijuana, amphetamine, and cocaine use), demographic (food insufficiency, unemployment), and couple-related factors (having a spouse/partner who smoked, IPV involvement, being in a same-gender couple) were differentially associated with current smoking and level of intensity among men and women. Conclusions: Emergency department staff should consider the impact of polysubstance use, food insufficiency, unemployment, and whether both partners in the couple smoke when screening patients for smoking and formulating cessation treatment plans. Women in same-gender relationships and those who have experienced IPV involvement may require additional referral.

Com base na análise dos dados de corte transversal provenientes do Segundo Levantamento Nacional de Álcool e Drogas realizado em 2012, utilizando-se uma amostra probabilística estratificada por conglomerado representativa da população brasileira, este estudo apresenta as prevalências de estupro e analisa a relação deste evento com o consumo de álcool. Foram considerados 1.918 homens e 2.365 mulheres, totalizando uma amostra de 4.283 indivíduos. Nossos resultados estimam a prevalência de estupro na vida em 2,6% da população geral, sendo 1,7% entre os homens e 3,5% entre as mulheres. Para ambos os sexos, as maiores prevalências se concentraram entre indivíduos com idades entre 26 e 59 anos (3,3%), com baixa escolaridade (3,8%), solteiros, divorciados ou viúvos (3,1%). Entre os indivíduos com diagnóstico para transtorno por uso de álcool de acordo com o DSM-5 (Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais), 6% relataram ser vítimas de estupro, bem como, 3,3% daqueles que disseram beber pesado episódico (binge). Análises de regressão logística e multifatorial indicaram que tanto para mulheres quanto para homens a idade (aqueles entre 26 e 59 anos), o estado civil (solteiro), o diagnóstico de transtorno por uso de álcool e o beber pesado episódico são fatores associados ao aumento da probabilidade de vitimização por estupro, enquanto maior nível de educação (mais do que 9 anos de estudos) revelou-se um fator capaz de diminuir as chances de ocorrência. A identificação da amplitude desse problema de saúde pública, bem como a avaliação da urgência na implantação de medidas preventivas e assistenciais, partem do conhecimento das prevalências e do perfil sociodemográfico das vítimas.

Objective: To compare intimate partner violence (IPV) prevalence rates in 2006 and 2012 in a nationally representative household sample in Brazil. The associations between IPV and substance use were also investigated. Methods: IPV was assessed using the Conflict Tactic Scale-R in two waves (2006/2012) of the Brazilian Alcohol and Drugs Survey. Weighted prevalence rates and adjusted logistic regression models were calculated. Results: Prevalence rates of IPV victimization decreased significantly, especially among women (8.8 to 6.3%). The rates of IPV perpetration also decreased significantly (10.6 to 8.4% for the overall sample and 9.2 to 6.1% in men), as well as the rates of bidirectional violence (by individuals who were simultaneously victims and perpetrators of violence) (3.2 to 2.4% for the overall sample). Alcohol increased the likelihood of being a victim (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6) and perpetrator (OR = 2.4) of IPV. Use of illicit drugs increased up to 4.5 times the likelihood of being a perpetrator. Conclusions: In spite of the significant reduction in most types of IPV between 2006 and 2012, violence perpetrated by women was not significantly reduced, and the current national rates are still high. Further, this study suggests that use of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs plays a major role in IPV. Prevention initiatives must take drug misuse into consideration.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence rates of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA) and their association with substance use in a nationally representative sample of Brazilians. Methods: The Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drug Survey (II BNADS) is a household cross-sectional survey that investigated the consumption of psychotropic drugs and associated risk factors. This national probability sample survey used a multistage cluster design to select 4,607 participants aged 14 or older and had a total response rate of 77%. Illegal drug use, SI and SA were obtained by confidential self-report assessment. Results: SI and SA were reported by 9.9 and 5.4% of the sample, respectively. This prevalence was 20.8 and 12.4% among individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD), 31.5 and 16.5% among cannabis users and 40.0 and 20.8% among cocaine users. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, tobacco use, family history of suicide and depression, both SI and SA were positively associated with AUD, cannabis and cocaine use. Conclusion: AUD, cannabis and cocaine use were significantly associated with SI and SA, even after the adjustments. Public health initiatives targeting suicide prevention should consider including assessment and management of substance misuse, and therapeutic approaches to substance misuse should include assessment of suicidality.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of benzodiazepine (BZD) use in Brazil and to investigate the direct and indirect effects of alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle (SL), depressive symptoms (DS), and sleep dissatisfaction (SD) on BZD use. Methods: The Second Brazilian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (II BNADS) used stratified cluster probabilistic sampling to select 4,607 individuals aged 14 years and older from the Brazilian household population. Results: The lifetime and 12-month prevalence of BZD use was 9.8 and 6.1%, respectively. Older participants (age 40 and older) and women had higher rates. Alcohol use disorder, DS, and SD were significantly more prevalent in BZD users. The parallel multiple mediator model showed a positive direct effect of alcohol consumption on BZD use, with significant positive indirect effects of SL, SD, and DS as simultaneous mediators leading to higher BZD intake. Other statistically significant indirect pathways were DS alone, SD alone, and all of the above except SL. Conclusion: The prevalence of BZD use in Brazil is high compared to that of other countries. Knowledge of the main risk factors and pathways to consumption can guide prevention initiatives and underlie the development of better tailored and effective treatment strategies.

Objective: This study compared the rates of binge drinking (BD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) reported for 2006 with those reported for 2012, exploring their associations with unprotected sex, early pregnancy, and abortion in a representative sample of women in Brazilian households. Methods: This was a descriptive analysis of data from a cross-sectional study involving randomized multistage cluster sampling of the population ≥ 14 years of age. Weighted prevalence rates and odds ratios were estimated, and serial mediation analysis was performed. Results: A total of 4,256 women were analyzed. The BD prevalence was 35.1% and 47.1% in 2006 and 2012, respectively, a significant increase, especially among women 40-59 years of age. There was no significant difference in AUD prevalence. BD (without AUD) was found to increase the odds of unprotected sex and abortion. The path analysis showed that early pregnancy was a mediator of the relationship between alcohol consumption and abortion. Conclusion: Among women in Brazil, the harmful use of alcohol is increasing, which has an impact on female reproductive health and exposure to risks. There is a need for specific prevention initiatives focusing on alcohol-related behaviors in women.

Objective: Depression is a highly prevalent condition and is considered a major public health issue. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the Brazilian population and establish their sociodemographic correlates. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2005 and April 2006. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. The sample consisted of 3,007 interviews with individuals aged 14 years and older and followed a probabilistic design covering the Brazilian national territory. Depressive symptoms were assessed according to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: The observed prevalence of depressive symptoms was 28.3% (13% mild/moderate; 15.3% major/severe; p < 0.01). Increased depressive symptom rates were associated with being a female, being 45 years of age and older, having lower educational attainment, being single, having family income of up to 2.5 times minimum wage, and living in the northern region of Brazil (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of depressive symptoms in Brazil is high, with major depressive symptoms being the most frequent form of this symptomatology. Considering the biopsychosocial model of mental disorders, this survey points to the involvement of psychosocial factors in the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To examine sex differences in alcohol consumption according to age groups, and to assess gender and age effects on several aspects of alcohol consumption patterns. METHOD: Based on a Brazilian nationwide representative sample (n = 3,007), we analysed the differences in drinking patterns between genders. We also assessed the effects of gender, age, and gender by age interaction for alcohol consumption dimensions (frequent drinking, usual intake, binge drinking, and frequent binge drinking), using logistic and negative binomial regression models. RESULTS: Gender, age, and gender by age interaction had significant effects on the predictive models for all studied drinking patterns, except for the 'usual' dosage. The effect of gender on drinking patterns varies with age. While gender has a greater effect in older age groups, the difference between men and women decreased in the younger age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Gender convergence regarding alcohol use is a trend that might be influenced by environmental factors and should be addressed in prevention and treatment programs, as well as in public health policies.OBJETIVO: Avaliar as diferenças nos padrões de consumo de álcool entre os gêneros de acordo com as faixas etárias e avaliar os efeitos do gênero e da idade em diversos aspectos do padrão de consumo de bebidas alcoólicas. MÉTODO: Com base em amostra representativa da população brasileira (n = 3.007), nós avaliamos as diferenças nos padrões de consumo de álcool entre os gêneros. Nós também avaliamos os efeitos do gênero, da idade e da interação entre gênero e idade nas dimensões do consumo de álcool (consumo frequente, dose usual, consumo em binge e consumo frequente em binge), com uso de modelos de regressão logística e regressão binomial negativa. RESULTADOS: O gênero, a idade e a interação entre gênero e idade tiveram efeitos significantes nos modelos preditivos para todos os padrões de consumo estudados, com exceção da dose usual. O efeito do gênero ao longo das faixas etárias varia com a idade. Enquanto o gênero teve um efeito maior nas faixas etárias mais velhas, a diferença entre homens e mulheres diminuiu nas faixas etárias mais novas. CONCLUSÕES: A convergência entre os gêneros no que se refere ao uso de álcool é uma tendência que pode ser influenciada por fatores ambientais e deveria ser focada nos programas de prevenção e tratamento assim como nas políticas públicas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patterns of alcohol consumption in the adult Brazilian population. METHOD: Multicluster random sample of 2,346 subjects 18 years of age or older, selected nationwide. Interviews were conducted in respondents' homes between November 2005 and April 2006. RESULTS: About 48% of the sample had not drunk alcoholic beverages in the past year, with variations by gender, age, marital status, education, income and region of the country. Among drinkers, 29% reported drinking 5 or more drinks per occasion (men, 38%). Sociodemographic variables are associated with the frequency and amount of drinking, alcohol problems, and alcohol abuse and dependence. Among the whole sample (including drinkers and non drinkers), 28% reported binge drinking, 25% reported at least one kind of alcohol related problem, 3% were alcohol abusers and another 9% were alcohol dependent. DISCUSSION: Abstinence is high in the Brazilian population. However, elevated proportions of those who drink consume alcohol in a high risk pattern (binge-drinking), report a high level of alcohol problems, alcohol abuse and dependence. National public policies must consider these factors, as well as the regional Brazilian differences.OBJETIVO: Apresentar os padrões de consumo de bebidas alcoólicas entre a população adulta brasileira. MÉTODO: Amostra de 2.346 indivíduos, cuidadosamente selecionada da população brasileira com 18 anos ou mais. Amostra selecionada em todo o território brasileiro, por meio de procedimento probabilístico em múltiplos estágios. As entrevistas, realizadas nas residências, ocorreram entre novembro de 2005 e abril de 2006. RESULTADOS: 48% da amostra relataram não haver bebido no último ano e esse índice variou de acordo com sexo, idade, estado civil, nível educacional e de renda e região do país. Entre aqueles que bebiam, 29% consumiam usualmente cinco ou mais doses por ocasião (38% entre os homens). Fatores sociodemográficos foram relevantes em relação a todas as variáveis de consumo estudadas: frequência, quantidade, problemas, abuso e dependência. Na amostra total, incluindo os não-bebedores, 28% beberam em binge, 25% relataram ao menos um tipo de problema relacionado ao consumo, 3% preencheram critério para abuso e 9% para dependência. DISCUSSÃO: O grau de abstinência da população brasileira é alto. No entanto, os bebedores apresentam elevado nível de consumo de risco. A prevalência de problemas relacionados ao consumo, abuso e dependência de álcool também é significativa. Políticas públicas nacionais devem levar em conta esses fatores assim como as diferenças regionais.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patterns of alcohol consumption by adolescents in Brazil. METHOD: From November 2005 to April 2006, a sample composed of 661 subjects aged between 14 to 17 years was rigorously selected in Brazil using a multistage probabilistic method to represent the profile of the adolescent Brazilian population. RESULTS: 34% of Brazilian adolescents drink alcoholic beverages. The mean age of drinking initiation was 14 years of age. Older adolescents, as well as those living in the southern part of Brazil, those who are not attending school and those who are working, and black individuals and those with personal income reported a higher frequency of drinking. Socio-demographic factors such as gender, income bracket, family income and student status do increase the amount of alcohol consumed. Males report a higher frequency of binge drinking than females. Moreover, more than half of the males that had drunk in the previous year reported having engaged in binge drinking on at least one occasion. Beer represents approximately half of all the drinks consumed by adolescents. There was no significant difference between genders in the kind of alcohol consumed. DISCUSSION: Among adolescents who drink, the consumption of several drinks is frequent. Alcohol consumption varies from region to region, social economic status (including self-generated income) and age. These findings are discussed in light of their importance for the development of alcohol prevention policies in Brazil.OBJETIVO: Apresentar um panorama nacional sobre o padrão de consumo de bebidas alcoólicas entre adolescentes no Brasil. MÉTODO: Amostra rigorosamente selecionada em procedimento probabilístico em múltiplos estágios em todo o território brasileiro, de novembro de 2005 a abril de 2006, representando um perfil da população adolescente brasileira, composta por 661 sujeitos entre 14-17 anos. RESULTADOS: 34% dos adolescentes brasileiros bebem. A idade média de início da experimentação de bebidas alcoólicas foi de 14 anos. Adolescentes mais velhos, habitando a região Sul, que não estudam, que trabalham, de cor negra e que têm rendimento próprio apresentaram maior frequência de consumo. A quantidade usual consumida varia de acordo com sexo, classe social, renda familiar e o fato de estudar ou não. Os jovens do sexo masculino se destacam por apresentarem um percentual bem maior do beber em binge quando comparados com as jovens e mais da metade dos adolescentes do sexo masculino que bebem o fizeram em binge em pelo menos em uma ocasião. Aproximadamente metade das doses consumidas por adolescentes é de cerveja ou chope. Com relação aos gêneros, não foi detectada diferença significativa entre tipos de bebida. DISCUSSÃO: O consumo de altas doses é frequente entre os adolescentes. Os padrões de consumo dos adolescentes apresentam variações em relação a região, estrato social, rendimentos próprios e idade. Os achados têm importância para o estabelecimento de políticas nacionais.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de violência por parceiros íntimos e o consumo de álcool durante os eventos dessa violência. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com amostra probabilística de múltiplos estágios, representativa da população brasileira, composta por amostra de 1.445 homens e mulheres casados ou vivendo em união estável, entrevistados entre novembro de 2005 e abril de 2006. As entrevistas foram realizadas na casa dos entrevistados, usando um questionário fechado padronizado. As taxas de prevalência de violência por parceiros foram estimadas e testes qui-quadrado foram empregados para avaliar as diferenças de gênero nessa prevalência. RESULTADOS: Homens apresentaram uma prevalência geral de 10,7% de episódios de violência por parceiros e as mulheres 14,6%. Homens consumiram álcool em 38,1% dos casos de e as mulheres em 9,2%. Com relação à percepção de consumo de álcool pela companheira, homens informaram que sua parceira consumia em 30,8% dos episódios de violência e mulheres que o seu parceiro fazia ingestão de álcool em 44,6% dos episódios. CONCLUSÕES: As mulheres se envolveram em mais episódios de (perpetração, vitimização ou ambos) leves e graves do que os homens. A freqüência quatro vezes maior de relatos de homens alcoolizados durante os eventos permitem supor que a prevenção à violência por parceiros possa se beneficiar de políticas públicas de redução do consumo de álcool.

O estudo objetivou avaliar a prevalência de abuso físico e exposição à violência parental na infância, segundo características sócio-demográficas. Um procedimento de amostragem de múltiplos estágios foi usado para selecionar 3.007 indivíduos de 14 anos de idade ou mais, entre 2005/2006, incluindo sujeitos de todas as regiões do país, assim, os resultados são nacionalmente representativos. Foram acessadas experiências de abuso físico (bater, bater com alguma coisa, queimar/escaldar, ameaçar/usar faca ou arma) e exposição à violência parental (testemunhou ameaça e/ou agressão física parental) na infância. Realizaram-se as análises através do teste qui-quadrado de Pearson. A prevalência de história de abuso físico na infância foi de 44,1%, sendo que 33,8% relataram história de abuso físico moderado e 10,3% abuso físico severo. A prevalência de exposição à violência parental foi de 26,1%, sendo que 7,5% testemunharam violência parental moderada e 18,6% testemunharam violência parental severa na infância. Análises combinadas entre estes dois tipos de violência demonstraram significativas associações entre elas. Estes resultados podem ajudar na implementação de estratégias de intervenção alertando profissionais de saúde para alta prevalência deste tipo de violência na população.The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of physical abuse and exposure to parental violence during childhood, in relation to socio-demographic characteristics. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 3,007 individuals 14 years or older in 2005-2006, from all regions of the country. The study detected cases of physical abuse (beating, striking with objects, burning or scalding, threatening and/or using knives or firearms) and exposure to parental violence (witnessing parental threats and/or actual physical aggression) during childhood. Analyses were performed with the Pearson chi-square test. Prevalence of history of physical abuse in childhood was 44.1% (33.8% moderate, 10.3% severe). Prevalence of exposure to parental violence was 26.1% (7.5% witnessed moderate parental violence and 18.6% severe). Combined analyses of these two types of violence showed significant associations between them. The findings may help implement intervention strategies to call the attention of health professionals to the high prevalence of this type of violence.

OBJECTIVE: Brazil lacks information about driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) originated from representative samples obtained from the general population. METHOD: 333 subjects with a valid driver's license and drinking in the last 12 months were drawn from a multistaged sample of 2,346 adults from the first Brazilian Household Survey of Patterns of Alcohol Use. A multivariate analysis was conducted to understand the associations between risk factors and driving after drinking three or more drinks. RESULTS: the overall DUI prevalence reported in the sample was 34.7% - 42.5% among males and 9.2% among females. Being male (OR = 6.0, 95% CI 2.9-12.6), having a previous DUI accident (OR = 7.9, 95% CI 2.5-24.9), binging in the last year (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.03-4.5) and having an unfavorable opinion towards policies (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.4-6.2) remained associated with heavy drinking and driving after model adjustments. DISCUSSION: This was the first study evaluating driving under the influence of alcohol in a representative sample of the Brazilian population. The prevalence of DUI found is alarming, and possibly underestimated in the sample. Results demonstrate the need for more studies on this association and show directions towards preventive strategies for the specific high-risk group of male drivers with previous problems with alcohol and unfavorable opinions about prevention policies.OBJETIVO: O Brasil carece de informação sobre beber e dirigir a partir de amostras representativas da população. MÉTODO: Uma amostra de 2.346 adultos do I Levantamento Nacional Domiciliar sobre Padrões de Consumo de Álcool forneceu 333 indivíduos com carteira de motorista e que haviam bebido álcool nos últimos 12 meses. Utilizou-se análise multivariada para compreender associações entre fatores de risco e dirigir após três ou mais drinques. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de beber e dirigir na amostra foi 34,7% - 42,5% nos homens e 9,2% nas mulheres. Ser homem (OR = 6,0; IC95% 2,9-12,6), ter tido acidente prévio com beber e dirigir (OR = 7,9; IC95% 2,5-24,9), ter tido "consumo excessivo episódico" no ultimo ano (OR = 2,2; IC95% 1,03-4,5) e ter uma opinião desfavorável sobre políticas públicas (OR = 2,9; IC95% 1,4-6,2) mantiveram-se associados com consumo pesado e dirigir após ajustes no modelo. DISCUSSÃO: Este é o primeiro estudo que avalia beber e dirigir em uma amostra representativa da população brasileira. A prevalência de beber e dirigir encontrada é alarmante e possivelmente subestimada nesta amostra. Os achados demonstram a necessidade de outros estudos sobre esta associação, e dão indicações sobre possíveis estratégias preventivas para este grupo específico de motoristas masculinos com problemas prévios com álcool e opiniões desfavoráveis sobre políticas de prevenção.

Os autores descrevem os trabalhos epidemiológicos sobre o álcool, mais recentes e significativos, conduzidos no Brasil nos últimos anos. Buscou-se traçar o panorama do consumo de álcool no país por meio da análise dos levantamentos populacionais (pesquisas domiciliares, uso de drogas entre estudantes, meninos de rua) e indicadores estatísticos (internações hospitalares por dependências, dados do Instituto Médico Legal, acidentes de trânsito relacionados e informações de vendas de bebidas alcoólicas). A análise dos dados apresentados neste artigo sugere dois pontos fundamentais: há a necessidade de se dar mais ênfase aos estudos epidemiológicos no Brasil, não só com a ampliação como também a renovação sistemática dessas pesquisas. O álcool, certamente, contribui fortemente na etiologia e manutenção de vários problemas sociais, econômicos e de saúde enfrentados em nosso país.The authors describe the most recent and significant epidemiological studies on alcohol conducted in Brazil in the last years. The aim was to outline the pattern of alcohol consumption in the country through the analysis of population surveys (household surveys, drug abuse among students, homeless children) and statistical indicators (hospital admissions for addictions, data from the Institute of Forensic Medicine, related traffic accidents and information on sales of alcoholic beverages). The analysis of the data presented in this article suggests two basic points: greater emphasis should be laid on epidemiological studies in Brazil, through increasing the scope of research, as well as its systematic updating. Alcohol certainly has a strong influence in the etiology and maintenance of several social, economic and health problems faced in our country.

Este estudo buscou analisar, em uma amostra representativa da população brasileira, as prevalências de aceitação de políticas relacionadas ao acesso, promoção, prevenção e tratamento dos problemas relacionados ao uso do álcool, bem como sua anuência para possíveis mudanças. Investigou, ainda, o perfil dos indivíduos não favoráveis às políticas por meio de avaliação da associação com variáveis sociodemográficas, consumo de outras substâncias psicotrópicas, acesso a campanhas de prevenção e exposição a propagandas de bebidas. Trata-se de estudo com desenho transversal usando dados do I levantamento Nacional de Álcool e Drogas. Uma amostra de 3.007 participantes responderam escalas sobre 16 políticas restritivas. Uma escala de aceitação foi criada, e o grupo dos 5% que menos aderiam às políticas foi analisado. As associações foram realizadas através de modelos ajustados de regressão logística (StataSE10). Observou-se que a maioria da população investigada apoia as políticas vigentes, assim como a implementação de novas leis de restrição ao consumo de álcool. Os fatores preditores de não aceitação das políticas foram: ser homem, jovem, sem relacionamento estável, com maior escolaridade, não religioso e tabagista. O uso substâncias ilícitas e abuso e/ou dependência de álcool também foram associados a não adesão às políticas de restrição avaliadas. As políticas referindo tratamento para o alcoolismo e restrição de propagandas foram as mais aceitas.Incentiva-se iniciativas de esclarecimento da importância das políticas de saúde pública direcionadas ao perfil do público menos adepto.

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de violência por parceiros íntimos e o consumo de álcool durante os eventos dessa violência. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com amostra probabilística de múltiplos estágios, representativa da população brasileira, composta por amostra de 1.445 homens e mulheres casados ou vivendo em união estável, entrevistados entre novembro de 2005 e abril de 2006. As entrevistas foram realizadas na casa dos entrevistados, usando um questionário fechado padronizado. As taxas de prevalência de violência por parceiros foram estimadas e testes qui-quadrado foram empregados para avaliar as diferenças de gênero nessa prevalência. RESULTADOS: Homens apresentaram uma prevalência geral de 10,7% de episódios de violência por parceiros e as mulheres 14,6%. Homens consumiram álcool em 38,1% dos casos de e as mulheres em 9,2%. Com relação à percepção de consumo de álcool pela companheira, homens informaram que sua parceira consumia em 30,8% dos episódios de violência e mulheres que o seu parceiro fazia ingestão de álcool em 44,6% dos episódios. CONCLUSÕES: As mulheres se envolveram em mais episódios de (perpetração, vitimização ou ambos) leves e graves do que os homens. A freqüência quatro vezes maior de relatos de homens alcoolizados durante os eventos permitem supor que a prevenção à violência por parceiros possa se beneficiar de políticas públicas de redução do consumo de álcool.