A cross-sectional study: Nitrous oxide abuse in Parisian medical students

Nitrous oxide (N₂ O) has euphoric properties, which are associated with an alarming increasing misuse. A lack of data exists regarding medical students. The objectives are: (i) evaluate the prevalence of N₂ O use and N₂ O use disorder (NUD) among French medical students, (ii) assess whether education about addictions has an impact on consumption, (iii) draw up clinical profiles of N₂ O users with or without NUD, (iv) identify factors associated with use and NUD.

A cross-sectional study among medical students at Université de Paris, using an online questionnaire.

Out of the 981 medical students (29% of the total medical students) who completed the questionnaire, 80% had used N₂ O. 19% had a mild use disorder, 4% moderate, and 1% severe. N₂ O use was significantly associated with the use of poppers (p < .0005), alcohol (p < .0005), and cocaine (p = .004). Factors significantly associated with NUD were alcohol use disorder (p = .017), male gender (p = .006), and being part of a student association (p = .0130).

This survey shows a high prevalence of N₂ O use and NUD among medical students. It could be explained by the N₂ O pharmacokinetic profile or by a perception of "harmlessness." We also identified associated risk factors that may be useful to better identify and treat students seeking help.

This is the first study to evaluate the use of this product among medical students. The evaluation of factors impacting use and dependence is also new in this population, which is at risk of misuse of substances.