Identifying the existence of substance use problems in children 7 to 12 in Asunción, Paraguay - Geraldine G. Willim , Day 4, 09:00 - 10:29

Presented as part of the Uniting the global community to face the challenge of addiction event, online on 15th May, 2022

Presentation:

• Identifying the existence of substance use problems in children 7 to 12 in Asunción, Paraguay - Geraldine G. Willim 

Abstract:

• Identifying the existence of substance use problems in children 7 to 12 in Asunción, Paraguay - Geraldine G. Willim 

Objective: To detect substance use in children 7 to 12 years of age in a vulnerable area of Asuncion, Paraguay

Rationale: Drug use during childhood can endanger children’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Therefore, evidence based early detection and intervention is needed to prevent child harm and improve their health and well-being.

Methodology: Ninety-seven (97) Children, 39 girls and 58 boys referred by their schools due to poor cognitive and social skills performance and the suspicion of substance use participated of a program based on the “Child Intervention for Living Drug-Free (CHILD) Curriculum” at the NGO “Proyectos de Vida” (2017 to 2018). They completed a self-report form on substance use either by themselves or with the help of counselors based on their reading skills.

Results: Through the self-report, the following results were obtained: Girls: Alcohol (74%); marihuana (15%); inhalants (15%); tobacco (13%). Boys: Alcohol (93%); marihuana (28%); tobacco (21%); inhalants (3%). Only 3 participants marked no drugs during their lifetime.

Conclusions: These findings raise awareness about the vulnerability of children 7 to 12 and the high risks they face by not being considered in substance use surveys nor by evidence based programs supported by the government.

Learning objectives

To raise awareness about the need of special substance use interventions for children 7 to 12 in Asuncion, Paraguay

Other author names

• Esther Noemi Geraldine Gonzalez Willim