Study on drug use and mental health in the university community of the Salesian Polytechnic University

This project addresses the issue of drug use within the university community of the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS), in compliance with current Ecuadorian regulations on comprehensive substance prevention. The main objective is to diagnose the prevalence of drug use and the underlying psychosocial factors among students, faculty, and administrative staff. A mixed methodology is employed, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis. The quantitative component relies on statistical analysis (descriptive statistics, correlations, structural models) of the 2014 university study database, aiming to generate an explanatory model for the prevalence of use. Complementarily, a qualitative procedure involving focus groups and interviews will be implemented to explore key psychosocial variables. The expected outcome is the formulation of a comprehensive proposal for promoting healthy lifestyles and effective prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the university context, aligning with previous institutional and national efforts to foster a safe and healthy academic and work environment.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To analyze the prevalence of drug use and associated psychosocial factors within the university community of the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana. The ultimate goal is to generate a comprehensive proposal for promoting healthy lifestyles and implementing prevention and intervention actions targeting administrative staff, faculty, and students.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Mental health