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Psychoactive substance use among medical students.

R V Ali¹, G K Vankar

¹R.V. Zulfikar Ali, MBBS, DPM, Post Graduate student, Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Majura Gate, Surat - 395 001.

Indian Journal of Psychiatry

|July 12, 2011

Summary

A significant portion of medical students engage in non-medical drug use, with substances like alcohol and cigarettes being most common. Use often begins during medical college, particularly among men and final-year students.

Keywords:

Psychoactive substance depression medical students use

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Area of Science:

Epidemiology
Medical Education
Public Health

Background:

Psychoactive drug use is a concern within student populations.
Understanding substance use patterns in medical students is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the prevalence and patterns of psychoactive drug use among medical students.
To identify substances commonly used and factors associated with higher prevalence.

Main Methods:

A standard epidemiological survey instrument was administered to 215 medical students across three classes.
Data collected included types of substances used, frequency of use, and timing of initiation.

Main Results:

One-third of medical students reported non-medical drug use.
Prevalent substances included betel nut (13%), cigarettes (12%), and alcohol (12.5%).
Cigarette and benzodiazepine use initiation was frequently observed after entering medical college, with higher prevalence in men and final-year students.

Conclusions:

Non-medical psychoactive drug use is prevalent among medical students.
The medical school environment may influence the initiation and continuation of substance use.
Targeted prevention and intervention strategies are needed for this population.