Adaptación y validación de la prueba de detección de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y sustancias (ASSIST) en adolescentes mexicanos de una población semirrural

Introduction: the onset of substance use in adolescence could generate negative consequences in the future; for this reason it is recommended to have internationally standardized surveillance systems in adolescents, especially the most vulnerable without easy access to health or protection services such as those in a semi-rural context. Objective: to adapt and validate the ASSIST (Detection of Alcohol, Tobacco and Substance Consumption) screening test and to determine the prevalence of consumption in a sample of Mexican adolescents from a semi-rural community. Method: cross-sectional study in two public schools of the municipality of Malinalco, Mexico, the adapted version of ASSIST was applied with 8 reagents that identifies 10 substances and the need for brief psychotherapy, to adolescents from 11 to 19 years. Results: 229 students participated, 61% women, 19.3% secondary, 76.8% high school and 3.9% out of school. The test had adequate reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = .84) and a correctly adjusted factorial structure [X2(7) = 3.18, p = .86, CFI = 1, RMSEA = 0]. The prevalence of consumption were Tobacco 27%, Alcohol 50%, Cannabis 13%, Cocaine 8%, Stimulants 6%, Inhalants 2%, Tranquilizers 3%, Hallucinogens 4%, Opiates 2% and Others 2%; of these 30% were in high school and 17% required brief psychotherapy. Discussion and conclusions: the version adapted with culturally relevant content is reliable and valid, with a structure that coincides with the original, can be used in research, diagnosis and intervention to generate information that helps plan strategies to improve the health of the adolescent population.