Attitudes towards the consumption of substances. Differences between high school and university students in Ecuador

Objectives: To identify the differences in attitudes toward the consumption of substances according
to the level of schooling among college and university students in Ambato, Ecuador,
and inter-gender differences by groups. Method: Descriptive, comparative, incidence and crosssectional
study among school students and university students using the Psychoactive Substances
Self-reporting questionnaire (AICA). Sample: 711 participants (50.5% male), high school students
(70.6%) and university students (29.4%) from Ambato city took part. Results: High school (84.7%)
and university students (85.2%) show attitudes of rejection with regard to substance use. Males
have more favorable attitudes towards alcohol consumption than women whereas women are
more aware of the potential harms and risks; although overall there are no differences by gender.
University students admire non-drinkers less and accept alcohol consumption more than high
school students. Conclusion: The transition from the high-school context is a determining factor
in favorable attitudinal changes, especially alcohol consumption and the illusion of a maturity bias.