Alcohol Consumption and Suicide Risk in Adolescents of the Awá de Carchi Community

Abstract

Justification: it is essential to understand the factors linking alcohol consumption and suicide risk among adolescents in the Awá community of Carchi, a population characterized by social vulnerability, limited access to mental health services, and exposure to psychosocial risks, in order to generate evidence that can guide culturally appropriate prevention and intervention strategies. Objective: analyze the relationship between alcohol consumption and suicide risk in adolescents from the Awá community of Carchi. Methodology: the study has a quantitative approach, non-experimental cross-sectional design, with descriptive and correlational scope. The sample consists of 100 adolescents to whom a sociodemographic sheet, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale were applied. Results: the entire adolescent population evaluated has consumed alcohol and of this, 57% present high risk and probable addiction. Suicidal risk occurs in 1% of the female population and 36% of the male population. A moderate and significant positive correlation (0.580, with a p value of 0.00) is evident between suicidal ideation and alcohol consumption in adolescents. Conclusion: alcohol consumption is widespread among adolescents in the Awá community of Carchi, with more than half of the male population exhibiting a high risk and probable addiction.