Frequent drug use and average age of initiation, associated with gender, age groups, and family income in university students of Health Sciences in Arequipa, Peru

Drug use and the reduction in the average age of initiation of drug use are growing public and social health problems among university students. The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of frequent consumption of psychoactive drugs in students of Health Sciences courses and to identify the average age of initiation, associated with sex, age groups, and family income. The study used a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design. 236 students participated and the results showed, about frequent drug use, based on gender, a higher proportion of male consumers, with significant statistical differences only for basic paste α=0.05, and cocaine α=0.01; By age group, the older age group of students reveals higher proportions for the use of alcohol and tobacco, with statistical differences for a confidence level of 95% and, in association with family income, the higher the economic status of the family, the lower the average age of initiation of children in drug use, and the greater the frequent use of cocaine and ecstasy, with significant mean differences for a probability level, P≤0.01. In conclusion, there is an urgent need to implement a program to reduce and early prevent the use of toxic drugs in the area of ​​Health Sciences.