Validation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) and associated factors among adolescents in Chile

Background. Personality traits are key predictors of adolescent substance use. This study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) among Chilean adolescents and examine its associations with substance use and related beliefs. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 2,261 students aged 10–14 years from 13 schools in Santiago, Chile. Participants completed the SURPS and the EU-Dap questionnaire on substance use. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses evaluated internal structure and reliability, and logistic and linear regressions examined associations between personality traits, substance use, and beliefs. Results. The four-factor structure—Hopelessness, Anxiety Sensitivity, Impulsivity, and Sensation Seeking—was confirmed after removing two items with low loadings (< 0.40). Internal consistency was acceptable for the total scale (α = 0.80) and subscales (α = 0.67–0.88). Higher Hopelessness, Impulsivity, and Sensation Seeking were associated with lifetime tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use (all p < 0.001), stronger positive and normative beliefs, and weaker refusal skills. Anxiety Sensitivity showed no significant associations. Conclusions. The Chilean SURPS demonstrated good reliability and validity, supporting its use as a brief, culturally appropriate tool for identifying personality-based risk pathways and informing selective prevention strategies in adolescent populations.