Licit and illicit substance use patterns among university students in Germany using cluster analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Research
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Multiple substance use is prevalent among university students.
• Existing research often overlooks patterns involving various illicit substances and hookah.
• This study addresses the gap in understanding concurrent substance use in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe common consumption patterns of illicit substances and hookah among university students.
• To advance knowledge on the co-use of licit and illicit substances in higher education settings.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions for substance use prevention.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to students at eight German universities (INSIST study).
• Data collected included consumption of alcohol, tobacco, hookah, cannabis, and other illicit substances.
• Cluster analysis and multinomial logistic regressions were used to identify use patterns and associated factors.

Main Results:

• Six distinct substance use clusters were identified, including 'Alcohol Abstainers', 'Drinkers Only', and 'Illicit Substance Users with Co-Use'.
• Illicit substance use frequently co-occurred with alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.
• Hookah use was primarily associated with alcohol, less so with tobacco or cannabis, and rarely with other illicit substances.
• Individuals using multiple licit and illicit substances or hookah were predominantly male and lived with peers.

Conclusions:

• Substance use patterns in university students are largely consistent with prior research.
• A significant subgroup engaging in both licit and illicit substance use was identified.
• Targeted interventions focusing on addictive behavior modification are recommended for this subgroup.