Consumo de alcohol, percepción de riesgo y conductas relacionadas con la seguridad vial en adolescentes

Abstract

Este trabajo analiza la relación entre el consumo abusivo de alcohol, percepción de riesgo, búsqueda de sensaciones y comportamientos que incrementan el riesgo de accidentes de tráfico en adolescentes. La muestra es representativa de los adolescentes escolarizados españoles de trece, quince y diecisiete años, de ambos sexos (n= 4.475). El sistema de muestreo es aleatorio, estratificado, proporcional, polietápico y por conglomerados. Se utilizó un cuestionario anónimo, autocumplimentado por los escolares en sus aulas. Los adolescentes que afirman embriagarse tienden a no usar el casco cuando circulan en moto y a no respetar las señales de tráfico. La frecuencia de embriaguez se relaciona negativamente con el grado de riesgo percibido respecto a conducir un ciclomotor bajo los efectos del alcohol, ir de pasajero con un conductor que haya bebido alcohol y no usar el casco al circular en bici o en moto; en cambio, se relaciona positivamente con la búsqueda de nuevas sensaciones.

This study examines the relationship between heavy alcohol consumption and behaviours that increase the risk for crash-related injuries, perception of risk and sensation seeking among adolescents. The population of Spanish students is represented by a sample covering the age groups of 13, 15 and 17 years-olds (n= 4.475). A proportional stratification and multistage sampling system was used. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by the students in class. Episodic heavy drinkers were significantly less, likely to use helmet while riding in a motorcycle and to respect traffic’ norms. Also, the frequency of drunkenness was negatively associated to the perceived risk of to drive a motorcycle after drinking alcohol or ride with a driver who had been drinking alcohol and use helmet while riding in a motorcycle or bicycle, and was positively associated to sensation seeking. This study indicates that adolescents who are alcohol users are more likely to behave in a manner which increases their risk for motor vehicle crashes.