Use of psychoactive substances among Zagreb University medical students: follow-up study

To estimate the exposure of Zagreb University medical students to psychoactive substances in 2000 and compare it with data collected in 1989.

Students were surveyed in 2000 (n=775) and 1989 (n=986) by means of a self-reporting questionnaire. The 2000 survey also included 136 non-medical students. General demographic data and data on experience with psychoactive substances were collected, analyzed, and presented as percentages with 95% CI.

The lifetime prevalence of contact with illicit drugs (mostly marijuana) among medical students in 2000 was 35% vs 14% in 1989. Repeated use was reported by 3.9% students, and 6% confirmed the experience of simultaneous use of alcohol and drugs. The lifetime prevalence of contact with psychoactive medications (mostly benzodiazepines) was 33% in 2000 vs 15% in 1989. Medications were largely used without medical supervision, with 3.5% of the students explicitly stating non-medical reasons for consumption. The prevalence of smokers was 29% in 2000, compared with 31% in 1989, and prevalence of regular alcohol consumers (on monthly, weekly, or daily basis) was 50% vs 52% in 1989. Experience with all types of substances was more present among senior students, and less among medical students than their "non-medical" peers. Regular alcohol use was associated with the experience of illicit drugs use. In 2000, 40% of medical students and 53% of "non-medical" students voted for legalization of marijuana.

Experience with psychoactive substances is common among Zagreb medical students. Experiences with illicit drugs and psychoactive medications have substantially increased over the past decade.