Family and the protection from use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs in adolescents, National School Health Survey.

This study evaluates the relation between the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs and family protective factors. Data from the National School Health Survey (PeNSE) were analyzed in a sample of 60,973 students at the freshman year of high school, from public and private schools of Brazilian state capitals. Most adolescents lived with both their parents and about a third lived in households only with their mothers. Half the parents or responsible parties are aware of what adolescents do in their free time. Living with both parents is a protective factor for smoking, drinking, and drug use. Family supervision is also important for the prevention of such behavior. Sharing a meal with parents or responsible parties most days of the week and the fact that the parents know what the adolescents have done in their free time in the past 30 days are also protective factors. Students that miss classes without telling their parents have higher chances of using tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. The family plays an essential role to prevent tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, and to promote health among teenagers.