PERCEPTIONS OF ADOLESCENTS STUDENTS ON THE CONSUMPTION OF DRUGS:

The consumption of drugs has increased worldwide and has become a public health problem, affecting particularly adolescents. This study aimed to identify the opinions of adolescent students on the use of drugs and drug users, in a school in Lima, Peru. It is a descriptive and cross-sectional study with a questionnaire self-applied to 386 students. Data collected comprised students ’ personal data, their perception on the risk of drugs consumption, motivations, information on preventive interventions, drugs availability, opinion regarding drug users and their family, and social acceptance. Male gender was predominant. Most of the participants were unfavorable regarding risk perception and consumption motives, though, they were favorable towards information. We have a relevant role in explaining behaviors and also in implementing appropriate and efficient preventive and treatment programs. DESCRIPTORS: adolescent; street drugs; substance-related disorders OPINIONES DE LOS ADOLESCENTES ESCOLARES SOBRE CONSUMO DE DROGAS: UN ESTUDIO DE CASO EN LIMA, PERÚ El consumo de drogas ha aumentado en todas las regiones del mundo, volviéndose un problema de salud pública, afectando especialmente a los adolescentes. Este estudio tiene como objetivos identificar las opiniones de los adolescentes escolares sobre el uso de drogas e identificar la opinión sobre el consumidor d