Drug consumption in young people in Guayaquil City, Ecuador

This study aimed to characterize the predominant causes and the types of drugs consumed among young people between 10 and 18 years old at an institution that receives young lawbreakers in an Ecuadorian city. A descriptive and qualitative study was carried out, using individual and semi-structured interviews as the main source of data collection. Ten young people between 10 and 16 years old participated. Content analysis resulted in three themes: lack of family support, influence from the environment where young people develop and ignorance about the side effects drugs produce and plans for the future. Marijuana was identified as the most consumed drug, followed by alcohol and inhaled drugs. Exploration of the causes that make these young people consume drugs contributes to identifying their needs and creating important spaces for health care, particularly health promotion.