Perception of Parenting and its Relationship to the Onset of Drug Use in Mexican Adolescents

Abstract

Despite all efforts, the onset of drug use continues to occur at an early age. It is presumed to be related to factors associated with parenting; however, the limited amount of evidence found points to a gap in what is known about this phenomenon. Objective: The study was designed to identify the relationship between the perception of parenting and the age at which adolescents begin to consume drugs. Materials and Methods: A descriptive correlational approach was used in conjunction with probability sampling. The sample of adoles- cents (n = 416) was estimated for 95% CI. A document on drugs and a questionnaire entitled "Memories of My Upbringing" (EMBU –I) were used. Results: Positive correlations were identified between the perception of parenting and the age of first use of three drugs. Based on the gender of the parent, eight correlations were found between perception of parenting (in all its dimensions) and the age of first use of four drugs. Among mothers, there was a positive correlation between the warmth dimension and the age of first use of tobacco. Conclusions: Parenting possibly plays an important role in the early onset of substance use by teenagers. Therefore, it is a necessary factor to consider in the prevention of addiction.