Authors
Aweh BE, Obagaye MO, Eriyo WO, Eboreime H, Amadasun LO, Lawani AO, Makanjuola AB, Okogbenin EO
Abstract
Substance use among medical students is an emerging public health and educational concern globally. Despite their medical knowledge, students may engage in substance use due to academic stress, social pressures, and environmental influences. Evidence from Nigeria and other countries suggests substantial prevalence, yet data remain limited in some settings. This study assessed the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of substance use among medical students at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 consenting medical students (200-600 level). Data was collected using the modified WHO Student Drug Use Questionnaire. Information obtained included sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime and current substance use, age and educational level at first use, and parental substance use. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess associations between substance use and sociodemographic variables, with statistical significance set at p <= 0.05.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 23.8 ± 3.29 years, and 64.9% were male. Overall lifetime use of at least one substance was 64.4%. Alcohol was the most used substance (lifetime: 62.1%; current: 21.1%), followed by cigarettes (15.9%), tranquilizers (6.8%), cannabis (5.7%), and amphetamines (5.7%). No respondent reported use of cocaine, heroin, inhalants, or hallucinogens. Male gender was significantly associated with cigarette use (p = 0.001). Age was significantly associated with cigarette (p = 0.029) and alcohol use (p < 0.001). Alcohol use was also significantly associated with social class (p < 0.001), parental marital status (p = 0.033), and geopolitical zone (p = 0.001). Tranquilizer abuse was significantly associated with level of study (p = 0.003) and religiosity (p < 0.001). Most alcohol and tobacco users-initiated use during secondary school years.
Conclusion: Substance use, particularly alcohol consumption, is prevalent among medical students in this setting. Sociodemographic factors including gender, age, social class, religiosity, parental marital status, and level of study significantly influenced patterns of use. Early preventive interventions, student support systems, and institutional policies targeting substance use are recommended to safeguard student well-being and future professional standards.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 consenting medical students (200-600 level). Data was collected using the modified WHO Student Drug Use Questionnaire. Information obtained included sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime and current substance use, age and educational level at first use, and parental substance use. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess associations between substance use and sociodemographic variables, with statistical significance set at p <= 0.05.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 23.8 ± 3.29 years, and 64.9% were male. Overall lifetime use of at least one substance was 64.4%. Alcohol was the most used substance (lifetime: 62.1%; current: 21.1%), followed by cigarettes (15.9%), tranquilizers (6.8%), cannabis (5.7%), and amphetamines (5.7%). No respondent reported use of cocaine, heroin, inhalants, or hallucinogens. Male gender was significantly associated with cigarette use (p = 0.001). Age was significantly associated with cigarette (p = 0.029) and alcohol use (p < 0.001). Alcohol use was also significantly associated with social class (p < 0.001), parental marital status (p = 0.033), and geopolitical zone (p = 0.001). Tranquilizer abuse was significantly associated with level of study (p = 0.003) and religiosity (p < 0.001). Most alcohol and tobacco users-initiated use during secondary school years.
Conclusion: Substance use, particularly alcohol consumption, is prevalent among medical students in this setting. Sociodemographic factors including gender, age, social class, religiosity, parental marital status, and level of study significantly influenced patterns of use. Early preventive interventions, student support systems, and institutional policies targeting substance use are recommended to safeguard student well-being and future professional standards.
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