Background: Suicidal behavior is a public health problem, and adolescents are one of the main risk groups. Aim: To analyze the association among suicidal behavior, consumption of psychoactive substances, and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in adolescents attending schools in Valparaiso, Chile. Material and Methods: Five hundred-fifty adolescents enrolled in a public school participated in the study. HRQoL was evaluated through KIDSCREEN-27, while suicidal behavior and the consumption of psychoactive substances were measured with the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Results: The prevalence of suicidal behavior was higher in women and in those who used tobacco or marijuana in the last month. Respondents with a bad perception of physical well-being reported a higher frequency of suicidal ideation than those with a good perception (Odds ratio (OR): 2.24; 95% confidence: 1.49-3.36). Likewise the frequency of suicidal ideation was higher in those with a bad perception of psychological well-being (OR: 3.87; 95%CI: 2.09-7.71), and a bad perception of autonomy and relation with parents (OR:2.46; 95%CI: 1.34-4.54). Suicide planning was also associated with dimensions of autonomy and relation with parents (OR: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.23-4.38) and dimensions of friends and social support (OR: 1.86; 95%CI:1.05-3.28). Suicide attempt was associated with the dimensions of friendship and social support (OR: 1.83; 95%CI: 1.02-3.28) and school environment (OR: 1,92; 95%CI: 1,23-3,01). Conclusions: Suicide ideation is associated with worse physical and psychological well-being. Suicide planning and suicide attempt is associated with a worse perception about the relation with parents or friends, social support, and school environment.

Background: Adolescents are more prone to develop health risk behaviors. Among these, early consumption of psychoactive drugs is relevant. Aim: To assess the association between early consumption of illicit drugs, tobacco and alcohol, suicide behaviors, risky sexual behaviors, eating habits and physical activity in school age adolescents from Valparaiso, Chile. Material and Methods: The online world survey of scholar health to identify the health risk behaviors was answered by 550 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years, from a public educational institution at Valparaiso, Chile. Results: Early consumption of alcohol, smoking and illicit drug use was reported by 59, 57 and 44% of respondents, respectively. The frequency of psychoactive drug consumption during the last month, risky sexual behaviors and missing breakfast was higher among those with an early onset of alcohol and illicit drug consumption and smoking. The frequency of suicidal risk behaviors and low consumption of fruits and vegetables was higher among those with an early onset of illicit drug use and smoking. A low physical activity level was associated with early smoking onset. Health risk behaviors were associated with early onset of alcohol and illicit drug consumption and smoking. Conclusions: Early onset of alcohol and illicit drug consumption and smoking is associated with health risk behaviors in Chilean adolescents.

Background: Adolescence is considered a nutritionally vulnerable period of life, since their eating habits are influenced by factors that can promote the consumption of non-nutritious food. Aim: To analyze the relation between eating habits, obesity, and the perception of Health-Related Quality of Life in school-aged adolescents. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 550 adolescents aged 16 ± 1 years (60% women) attending a public education institution in Valparaíso, Chile. The Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) for eating habits and the KIDSCREEN-27 survey for health-related quality of life were self-administered online. The answers were anonymous. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the variables, which was adjusted for age and sex. Results: Ten percent of men and 6% of women were obese. Those with an inadequate consumption of fruits had a worst perception of their physical well-being, autonomy and relationship with their parents. Psychological well-being and school environment were perceived worst among those that did not consume breakfast. Obese respondents also reported a poorest physical health. Conclusions: Inadequate eating habits and obesity have a negative effect of health-related quality of life among adolescents.

ABSTRACT The interest in resilience has grown over the last few decades due to its relationships with health, well-being, and quality of life. Several instruments have been developed to measure resilience, with one of the most common being the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). This scale has been validated in many cultures with divergent results. This paper investigates the factor structure of the CD-RISC. Participants were 3,214 students (62.1% female, mean age = 21.01, SD = 2.86) who were randomly divided into two equal subsamples (n = 1,607). One subsample was used to explore which models best fit the data and these models were fitted using the other subsample. Confirmatory factor analysis did not support the original 5-factor CD-RISC. The analyses supported unidimensional scale structures for both the 22-item and 10-item versions of the scale. The shorter instrument reduces the time needed to answer the questionnaire, allows it to be combined with other instruments, and does not require large sample sizes.

RESUMEN El interés por el estudio de la resiliencia ha aumentado en las últimas décadas debido a su relación con la salud, el bienestar y la calidad de vida. Se han desarrollado diversos instrumentos para medir la resiliencia, siendo uno de los más comunes la Escala de Resiliencia de Connor-Davidson (CD-RISC). Esta escala ha sido validada en muchas culturas con resultados diversos. En este trabajo se analiza la estructura factorial del CD-RISC en una muestra de 3,214 estudiantes (62.1% mujeres, edad media =21.01, DT = 2.86) que fueron divididos aleatoriamente en dos submuestras iguales (n = 1,607). Se exploró en una de las submuestras qué modelos se ajustaban mejor a los datos y estos modelos fueron ajustados en la otra submuestra. El análisis factorial confirmatorio no avaló la estructura de 5 factores del CD-RISC, sino que confirmó una estructura unidimensional de 22 y de 10 items. La escala de 10 items reduce el tiempo de aplicación del cuestionario, permite combinarlo con otros instrumentos y no requiere muestras muy grandes.

Background The use of psychoactive substances among adolescents is a major social and public health concern. Aim To analyze association of substance abuse and multiple drug use with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents attending a high school in Valparaiso, Chile. Material and Methods Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of adolescents attending high school. HRQOL was assessed using KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire and substance use was measured using the Global school-based student health survey. Participants had to complete online, self-administered, anonymous questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate Odd ratios. Results A total of 550 adolescents aged 16 ± 1 years old completed the questionnaires. Thirty nine percent consumed alcohol during the last month, 31% smoked, 33% used marijuana and 33% admitted the use of multiple drugs. High-risk alcohol consumption was associated with a lower perception of psychological well-being, self-perception and school environment. This last dimension was affected in those who admitted marijuana use during the last month. Multiple drug use (three substances) was associated with a lower perception of physical and psychological well-being, self-perception, relationship with parents, family life and school environment. Conclusions High-risk alcohol consumption and multiple drug use (three substances) have a negative impact on the HRQOL of school age adolescents.

Background: Cerebral injuries as a result of craniocerebral trauma are the most frequent cause of death in traffic collisions involving two-wheeled vehicles. In spite of the proven effectiveness of the use of the head protective devices to deaden injuries in the event of traffic collisions, some teenagers and youngsters do not use it. The main goal of this research is to identify the best predictors of helmet use among adolescents. Method: Transversal study of a population of 874 young students of Secondary Education during the academic year 2005-06. The population object of study were students of 3rd and 4th year of the 6 public secondary schools of Gerona and only those present in class in the day of the data capture participated in the study. The participation was 74,6%. The data capture was carried out by means of a self-devised survey. An analysis of hierarchical logistical regression was also carried out. Results: Predictable variables of helmet use in motorcycle drivers: age (OR=0,56), safety as main reason for its use (OR=0,02), possession of driving license (OR=0,17), peer influence (OR=0,23) and family influence (OR=0,17). In passengers: age (OR=0,46), peer influence (OR=0,35) and safety as main reason for its use (OR=0,38) Conclusions: The variables that predict the use of the helmet in the motorcycles users are: age, being in possession of the license to drive motorcycles, wearing the helmet as a safety device and social reinforcement (friends and family).

Fundamento: Las lesiones cerebrales por traumatismos craneocerebrales son la causa más frecuente de defunción en colisiones de tráfico con la implicación de vehículos de dos ruedas. A pesar de la probada eficacia del uso del casco como dispositivo de protección de la cabeza para atenuar las lesiones en caso de colisión, algunos adolescentes y jóvenes no lo utilizan. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las variables que mejor predicen el uso del casco entre adolescentes usuarios de ciclomotores. Método: Se ha realizado un estudio transversal con una muestra de 874 jóvenes estudiantes de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria durante el curso 2005-06. La población objeto de estudio eran los estudiantes de tercero y cuarto curso de los 6 Institutos de Educación Secundaria públicos de de Gerona. Participaron en el estudio los estudiantes presentes el día de la recogida de la información. La participación fue del 74,6 %. La recogida de datos se realizó mediante una encuesta de elaboración propia. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística binaria. Resultados: Fueron variables predictivas del uso del casco en conductores: edad (OR=0,56), la seguridad como motivo de uso (OR=0,02), tener licencia de conducción (OR=0,17), la influencia amigos (OR=0,23) y de los familiares (OR=0,17). En pasajeros como motivo de uso figuran la edad (OR=0,46), la influencia de amigos (OR=0,35) y la seguridad (OR=0,38). Conclusiones: Las variables que predicen el uso del casco en los usuarios de ciclomotor son: la edad, estar en posesión de la licencia para conducir ciclomotor, ponerse el casco por seguridad y el refuerzo social (amigos y familiares).

Background: Cerebral injuries as a result of craniocerebral trauma are the most frequent cause of death in traffic collisions involving two-wheeled vehicles. In spite of the proven effectiveness of the use of the head protective devices to deaden injuries in the event of traffic collisions, some teenagers and youngsters do not use it. The main goal of this research is to identify the best predictors of helmet use among adolescents. Method: Transversal study of a population of 874 young students of Secondary Education during the academic year 2005-06. The population object of study were students of 3rd and 4th year of the 6 public secondary schools of Gerona and only those present in class in the day of the data capture participated in the study. The participation was 74,6%. The data capture was carried out by means of a self-devised survey. An analysis of hierarchical logistical regression was also carried out. Results: Predictable variables of helmet use in motorcycle drivers: age (OR=0,56), safety as main reason for its use (OR=0,02), possession of driving license (OR=0,17), peer influence (OR=0,23) and family influence (OR=0,17). In passengers: age (OR=0,46), peer influence (OR=0,35) and safety as main reason for its use (OR=0,38) Conclusions: The variables that predict the use of the helmet in the motorcycles users are: age, being in possession of the license to drive motorcycles, wearing the helmet as a safety device and social reinforcement (friends and family).

Fundamento: Las lesiones cerebrales por traumatismos craneocerebrales son la causa más frecuente de defunción en colisiones de tráfico con la implicación de vehículos de dos ruedas. A pesar de la probada eficacia del uso del casco como dispositivo de protección de la cabeza para atenuar las lesiones en caso de colisión, algunos adolescentes y jóvenes no lo utilizan. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las variables que mejor predicen el uso del casco entre adolescentes usuarios de ciclomotores. Método: Se ha realizado un estudio transversal con una muestra de 874 jóvenes estudiantes de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria durante el curso 2005-06. La población objeto de estudio eran los estudiantes de tercero y cuarto curso de los 6 Institutos de Educación Secundaria públicos de de Gerona. Participaron en el estudio los estudiantes presentes el día de la recogida de la información. La participación fue del 74,6 %. La recogida de datos se realizó mediante una encuesta de elaboración propia. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística binaria. Resultados: Fueron variables predictivas del uso del casco en conductores: edad (OR=0,56), la seguridad como motivo de uso (OR=0,02), tener licencia de conducción (OR=0,17), la influencia amigos (OR=0,23) y de los familiares (OR=0,17). En pasajeros como motivo de uso figuran la edad (OR=0,46), la influencia de amigos (OR=0,35) y la seguridad (OR=0,38). Conclusiones: Las variables que predicen el uso del casco en los usuarios de ciclomotor son: la edad, estar en posesión de la licencia para conducir ciclomotor, ponerse el casco por seguridad y el refuerzo social (amigos y familiares).

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) has been described as a multidimensional concept that includes symptoms identification, functional condition, psychological wellbeing perception and general health perception. In the case of nicotine addiction, the concern about current or future health is one of the most reported reasons for smoking cessation. The main goal of this research is to investigate the relationship between HRQL perception and tobacco cessation stage formulated by the Tran theoretical model, with the aim to improve community and clinical interventions. SF-36 questionnaire has been administered to a sample of 201 smokers and ex-smokers. Results show worse perceived physical health in stages of change closer to smoking cessation and worse perceived mental health in stages of change with active tobacco habit. Results are compared with previous studies, while implications for tobacco consumption and prevention are discussed.

La calidad de vida relacionada con la salud se ha descrito como un concepto multidimensional que incluye la identificación de síntomas, el estado funcional, la percepción de bienestar psicológico y la percepción general de salud. En el caso de la adicción al consumo de tabaco, la preocupación por la salud actual o futura es uno de los motivos más informados para dejar de fumar. En el presente estudio se analiza la relación entre la percepción de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y la etapa de cambio en el abandono del consumo de tabaco propuesta desde el modelo transteórico a fin de mejorar las estrategias de intervención comunitaria y clínica para la cesación tabáquica. Se ha administrado el cuestionario SF-36 a una muestra formada por 201 fumadores y exfumadores. Los datos obtenidos indican peor salud física percibida en las etapas de cambio más próximas al abandono de tabaco y una peor salud mental percibida en las etapas con tabaquismo activo. Se comparan los resultados con los observados en otras poblaciones y se discuten las implicaciones a nivel de tratamiento y prevención del tabaquismo.