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[Drug abuse in nursing students]
Iria Garrido-González1, Rosendo Bugarín-González1, Antonio Javier Machín-Fernández1
1Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería de Lugo (USC). EOXI de Lugo, Cervo y Monforte (SERGAS) , Lugo, España.
Enfermeria Clinica
|February 1, 2016
Summary
Nursing students exhibit substance abuse patterns similar to the general population, with high rates of alcohol and tobacco use. Prevention measures are needed to address university-level substance abuse.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nursing Education
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Student populations are susceptible to substance abuse.
- Understanding specific patterns is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of substance abuse among students at the Lugo School of Nursing.
Main Methods:
- An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study using classroom surveys.
- Data collected in April 2015 from 185 participating students (61.5% response rate).
Main Results:
- High prevalence of alcohol (89.9%) and tobacco (36.2%) use; cannabis (17.8%) and cocaine (2.2%) were most common illicit drugs.
- Substance abuse correlated with male gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, living arrangements, and poor academic performance.
- Polydrug use observed, with 16.2% using alcohol and cannabis concurrently.
Conclusions:
- Substance abuse patterns in nursing students mirror, and in some cases exceed, general population rates.
- University-level prevention strategies are essential to mitigate substance abuse risks.