Information about psychoactive substances and visually impaired people: a comparative study between Brazil and Portugal

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to compare the information on psychoactive substances for visually impaired people in Brazil and Portugal. Method: Study with a quantitative approach, before-and-after type, held in institutions that provide care to people with visual impairment in Brazilian cities and in Porto, Portugal. Data were collected through information tests and analyzed by using the statistical software SPSS version 19. Results: 62 people participated, equally distributed between the two countries, of which, in Brazil, all are blind and in Portugal 67.7% are blind 32.3% and have low vision. The average age in Brazil was 34.94 years old and in Portugal, 51.48 years old. The average of years of schooling was 14.81 in Brazil and 9.58 years in Portugal. In Brazil, 54.8% said they had information about psychoactive substances, in Portugal, 90.3%. In Brazil, there was a higher proportion of correct answers on questions that address addiction issues, problems related to drug use, specific effects of cocaine. In Portugal, there was a higher proportion of correct answers on issues related to factors that contribute to the use of substances, the effects of alcohol and tobacco and addiction. Conclusion: The information about psychoactive substances is similar in the two study places.