Binge Drinking, Cannabis Co-Consumption and Academic Achievement in First Year University Students in Spain: Academic Adjustment as a Mediator

Cannabis Use and Academic Performance in College Students: The Role of Procrastination

Objective

The current study investigated procrastination as a potential moderator of the association between cannabis use and college grade point average (GPA). Participants: 220 college students (ages 18 - 24; 71.8% female) in the Northwestern U.S. who were registered for classes in Fall 2021.

Methods

Demographic questions, substance use history, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, and a Procrastination scale were completed via an online survey. Official term and cumulative GPA records were also collected.

Results

A regression model indicated that procrastination moderated the association between lifetime cannabis use and cumulative college GPA, whereas this moderation was not present when examining the relationship between past month cannabis use and term GPA.

Conclusion

The current study identifies a putatively modifiable factor that may be related to academic performance for students who use cannabis. These results may help inform future interventions designed to help students using cannabis succeed academically.

Tobacco and alcohol co-use: Lifestyle and sociodemographic factors, and personality aspects as potential predictors in the "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" cohort

Tobacco and alcohol co-use are two major lifestyle modifiable risk factors. Understanding the determinants of both behaviors helps to develop interventions to prevent these exposures. However, previous studies have focused on predictors of individual tobacco or alcohol use. This study aims to explore the potential predictors of tobacco and alcohol co-use among Spanish university graduates from the "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" (SUN) cohort study. A total of 7175 participants who were co-users of tobacco and alcohol were selected for this cross-sectional analysis. Their mean age was 39.1 years (12.04 SD) and 57.3% were women. Univariate regression models were used to select the potential predictors of tobacco and alcohol co-use, and the areas under the ROC curves (AUC) were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to create a predictive model. Baseline potential predictors included sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and perceived personality aspects. In the multivariable model, the main significant potential predictors of tobacco and alcohol co-use were driving under the influence of alcohol (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65 [1.43-1.90]), drinking 1-2 cups of coffee daily (OR = 1.50 [1.24-1.84]), drinking three or more cups of coffee daily (OR = 1.61 [1.35-1.91]), and doing more physical activity than recommended (OR = 1.18 [1.02-1.34]) when compared with the reference group. Conversely, those who were married (OR = 0.87 [0.75-0.99], ate at home 7 days a week (OR = 0.69 [0.60-0.80]), or had a high perceived level of competitiveness (OR = 0.83 [0.72-0.95]) had a lower risk of co-use (AUC 0.61 [confidence interval 95% 0.59-0.63]), compared to the reference group. These results could be used by healthcare professionals, especially nurses, to effectively assess patients at higher risk of tobacco and alcohol co-use. [Correction added on 16 February 2024, after first online publication: The abstract section has been revised to provide more clarity in this version.].

Impact of perceived social support and psychological capital on university students' academic success: testing the role of academic adjustment as a moderator

BACKGROUND

Academic adjustment is a significant predictor of the academic success of students. The aim of this study is to examine how academic adjustment plays an important role as a moderator in perceived social support, psychological capital, and success outcome relationships among university students.

METHODS

Three hundred seventy-three valid questionnaires were collected from different departments of different universities using convenience sampling method. Smart PLS 3.0 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The study results indicated that perceived social support and psychological capital have a significant direct impact on academic adjustment and academic success. The results of the study also demonstrated that the relationships between perceived social support, psychological capital, and successful outcomes are partially and moderated by academic adjustment.

CONCLUSION

This research develops a predictive model for examining students' academic adjustment to university and the outcomes of success based on social capital theory and conservation of resources theory. The current study suggests that it is necessary for policymakers to make full use of their ability to enable students to adjust to university life effectively. Higher education institutions should therefore pay full attention to the development of students' academic skills that contribute to academic success.

A 2-year follow-up of the effects of combined binge drinking and cannabis consumption on academic performance and adjustment in Spanish third-year university students

Introduction

The study was based on 2-year follow-up of the effects of binge drinking and cannabis co-consumption on academic performance and adjustment in Spanish Third-Year University Students and to further explore the impact of academic adjustment on this relationship.

Methods

A total of 144 students (aged 19-20 years) enrolled in the third year of university completed the study. The students were recruited during in first academic year (T1) via a survey that included items regarding the use of alcohol (AUDIT-C), cannabis and other drugs and demographic variables. Then, participants meeting the study criteria were then selected and invited by e-mail to a clinical (face-to face) structured interview. The participants completed a calendar of alcohol consumption during the 6 months prior to the interview (Alcohol Timeline Follow back), and recorded cannabis consumption in 3 months prior to the interview. To examine the effects of alcohol and cannabis co-consumption on the outcome variables, we categorized participants into three consumption groups (i.e., control, BD, and BDCA) based on the number of BD days and cannabis unit scores.

Results

Binge drinking and cannabis co-consumption in first-year students was significantly associated with poor academic performance and adjustment after 2 years of undergraduate study. Relative to controls, co-consumers (BDCA) reported significantly lower academic and personal-emotional adjustment to university as well as poorer performance. Mediation analysis showed that academic adjustment explains the mechanism by which BDCAs perform less well, mediating the relationship between co-consumption and academic performance, with an indirect effect representing 64.61% of the total effect. Furthermore, the mediating effect of academic adjustment was maintained after controlling for academic adjustment and baseline grade point average (T1).

Conclusion

This prospective follow-up study helps to further our knowledge of how combined binge drinking and cannabis consumption may affect university adjustment and academic success in Spanish university students Overall, the study results should encourage health professionals, educational psychologists and academic institutions to take ownership of the need for support and involvement in prevention, as well as for provision of guidelines for implementing appropriate intervention strategies.

Association between Depressive Symptoms and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Nursing Students

With university admission, there are major changes in students' daily habits that can lead to mental health problems. In this respect, adherence to a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD), can be very beneficial. The present study examines the associations between adherence to the MD and mental health among Spanish nursing students (n = 289). Sociodemographic data and life habits were collected electronically using a self-administered questionnaire. The participants also completed the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS-14) and the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS). The percentage of anxiety and depression symptoms was high: 45.3% (n = 131) and 46.4% (n = 134), respectively. Only 35.6% reported good adherence to the MD (score ≥ 9). The statistical analysis showed poor adherence to the MD to be significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (p = 0.013) and the total score on the GADS (p = 0.039). A multivariable regression model analysis identified the depression subscale score as a predictor variable, with a mean risk of low adherence to the MD being 0.803 times (95%CI: 0.666-0.968, p = 0.021) among participants with greater depressive symptoms. These results support the implementation of prevention programs in universities focused on health and mental health issues.

Alcohol and cannabis co-use: Receptiveness to treatments and application to intervention planning

Given the prevalence of alcohol and cannabis co-use among college students, prevention for co-use is crucial. We examined hypothetical receptiveness to substance-specific interventions among students who reported co-use. Students who use alcohol and cannabis were more receptive to alcohol interventions than cannabis interventions. Campus prevention experts should consider offering evidence-based alcohol-focused interventions as a potential pathway for decreasing substance use among college students who engage in co-use.

Cannabis Use in Young and Adult University Students Before and During the COVID-19 Lockdown, According to Gender and Age

The objectives were: (a) to establish cannabis use prevalence in university students; (b) to determine the changes in consumption of cannabis between prior to and during lockdown. Problematic consumption, gender, and age were taken into account to establish risk groups. Of 1,472 participants between 18-54 years (M = 27.51), 8.01% reported using cannabis before and/or during lockdown (56.6% male). The Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) was used to detect cannabis abuse. The main form of consumption was spliffs (89.9%). The mean of spliffs consumed per day decreased during lockdown, but was only significant in male and in the 18-24 group. This decrease was also significant for all three levels of CAST problematic use. Users with moderate addiction and dependence reduced their average number of spliffs consumed per day during lockdown to a greater extent than those without addiction. These findings establish target groups of prevention interventions in the university.

Academic Achievements, Satisfaction with Studies and Risky Behaviours among First-Year Students of Kaunas (Lithuania) Universities, 2000-2017

Risky behaviours are prevalent among university students and may affect academic achievements. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between academic achievements, satisfaction with studies and risky behaviours among first-year students of Kaunas (Lithuania) universities. Three cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2000, 2010, and 2017. The self-administered questionnaires were filled in during lectures and assessed frequency and amount of alcohol consumption, drinking problems (CAGE test), smoking and drug use frequency, and academic achievements. The associations between risky behaviours and academic achievements were analysed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Altogether 3325 students (1341 men and 1984 women) aged 20.0 (1.5) years participated in the survey. The proportion of students who consumed alcohol at least once a week and drank 11 or more standard alcoholic units (SAU) a week decreased. Every fifth student reported a drinking problem. Daily smoking prevalence declined, and drug use increased among male students. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that frequent alcohol consumption and problem drinking were associated with low importance of good grades. Students who rated their academic performance below average and were dissatisfied with studies were more likely to consume ≥11 SAU a week. Daily smoking was more common among students who reported low importance of good grades and academic performance below average. A higher prevalence of drug use was found only in male students who declared low importance of good grades. Health promoting interventions at the individual and student community level are required to reduce the prevalence of substance use and improve the academic achievements of students.

The Influence of Cannabis and Alcohol Use on Sexuality: An Observational Study in Young People (18–30 Years)

The consumption of cannabis and alcohol results in a variety of effects on the psychic functions of young users. Notwithstanding their widespread and prevalent use, the impact of these drugs on sexual health remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyse the influence of alcohol and cannabis consumption on sexual function in young people. An observational study was conducted in 274 participants aged 18–30 years. The following selection tools were used: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST), and Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire Short-Form. Participants who were at high risk of having cannabis-related problems performed better on the CAST concerning sexual function, arousal, and orgasm. Participants at high risk had higher arousal and orgasm scores than those who were not at risk for cannabis problems. Improvements in sexual function were found between people who were at high risk of having alcohol problems and those who were not at risk. Sexual function in young people who use cannabis and alcohol more frequently was shown to be better than in those who do not use either, highlighting the need for more information aimed at the young population.

Why should we ask binge drinkers if they smoke cannabis? Additive effect of alcohol and cannabis use on college students' neuropsychological performance

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This study focused on combined binge drinking and cannabis use in college students.

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Cannabis use and binge drinking had an additive effect on cognition.

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This consumption pattern contributed to memory and executive impairments.

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Binge drinkers had a heterogeneous cognitive profile regardless of cannabis use.

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Cannabis use should be assessed in binge drinkers to adapt prevention strategies.

Introduction

Binge drinking (BD) and cannabis use are prevalent in European adolescents and students. BD has been shown to have a negative impact on neuropsychological functioning, but little is known about the additive effect when it is combined with cannabis consumption. We therefore investigated the neuropsychological profiles of students who engage in combined BD and cannabis use, in order to explore the potentially harmful additive effects of cannabis use and BD on cognition.

Material and methods

A sample of college students (N = 298) completed questionnaires on alcohol and cannabis use, and were screened for neuropsychological impairments using the Brief Evaluation of Alcohol-Related Neuropsychological Impairments (BEARNI). First, after dividing students into three groups according to their alcohol and cannabis use (i.e., light drinkers, binge drinkers, and binge drinkers consuming cannabis), we ran a linear mixed model based on the BEARNI z scores to test the performances of the three groups. Information yielded by the mixed model was supplemented by individual analyses. Second, to explore the heterogeneity of binge drinkers’ profiles, we ran a cluster analysis to characterize the alcohol users at higher risk of more severe neuropsychological impairment.

Results

Overall, poorer neuropsychological performances were observed among binge drinkers compared with light drinkers, whether they used cannabis or not. However, flexibility, episodic memory and working memory were particularly affected among binge drinkers who used cannabis.

Conclusions

Results emphasize the importance of asking binge drinkers if they smoke cannabis, in order to adapt care and prevention strategies to their consumption and neuropsychological profile.

Prevalence of Substance Use in University Students, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Although substance use is a known public health problem and a pressing issue in Ethiopia, its real extent and magnitude are not yet properly explored. The current study aimed to determine the extent and predictors of substance use among regular undergraduate students in the Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried among 794 undergraduate regular students at the Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, using a self-administered structured questionnaire filled by study participants. Data entry, cleaning, and coding were performed by EPI-INFO version 3.5.1. Statistical Package for Social Sciences; AOR: Adjusted odds ratio (SPSS) SPSS version 21 software was used to analyze data by performing descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

73.7% of the study participants used substances at least once. The lifetime use of each substance includes alcohol (68.2%), khat (53.6%), cigarettes (46.1%), and illicit drugs (23.3%). Loss of family (AOR [95%CI], 34.50 [7.569, 157.263]), pocket money between 500 and 999 Ethiopian birr (AOR [95%CI], 9.978 [1.240, 80.280]), and above 1000 Ethiopian birr (AOR [95%CI], 10.831 [1.333, 87.971]) were identified predictors for khat use. The odds of lifetime alcohol use was higher among students coming from a divorced family (AOR [95%CI], 9.346 [3.162, 27.625]), lost one (AOR [95%CI], 37.406 [11.375, 123.008]), or both of their parents (AOR [95%CI], 18.750 [5.798, 60.633]). Students of urban origin (AOR [95%CI], 3.214 [1.950, 5.296]), and students with anxiety symptoms (AOR [95%CI], 2.655 [1.981, 3.557]) have a higher odds of lifetime cigarette smoking. The lifetime exposure to illicit drugs is higher among students in age groups between 20 and 24 years (AOR [95%CI], 5.963 [1.361, 26.135]), students coming from substance user family (AOR [95%CI], 2.172 [1.161, 4.063]), and students of urban origin (AOR [95%CI], 2.661 [1.202, 5.889]).

CONCLUSION

A higher prevalence of substance use requiring administrative and educational interventions was observed. Awareness creation interventions on the potential impacts of substance abuse should be performed.

Effects of Self-Regulation vs. External Regulation on the Factors and Symptoms of Academic Stress in Undergraduate Students

The SRL vs. ERL theory has shown that the combination of levels of student self-regulation and regulation from the teaching context produces linear effects on achievement emotions and coping strategies. However, a similar effect on stress factors and symptoms of university students has not yet been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to test this prediction. It was hypothesized that the level of student self-regulation (low/medium/high), in interaction with the level of external regulation from teaching (low/medium/high), would also produce a linear effect on stress factors and symptoms of university students. A total of 527 undergraduate students completed validated questionnaires about self-regulation, regulatory teaching, stress factors, and symptoms. Using an ex post facto design by selection, ANOVAs and MANOVAs (3 × 3; 5 × 1; 5 × 2) were carried out. The results confirmed that the level of self-regulation and the level of regulatory teaching jointly determined the level of stress factors and symptoms of university students. Once again, a five-level heuristic of possible combinations was configured to jointly determine university students’ level of academic stress. We concluded that the combination of different levels of student regulation and regulation from the teaching process jointly determines university students’ level of academic stress. The implications for university students’ emotional health, stress prevention, and well-being are established.

Individual and Environmental Factors Associated with Tobacco Smoking, Alcohol Abuse and Illegal Drug Consumption in University Students: A Mediating Analysis

Substance abuse is a major and prevalent public health concern among university students. Tobacco smoking, risky alcohol behavior, and illegal drug consumption may lead to health problems and behavioral and academic issues. Several individual and environmental factors associate with substance abuse in this population, and the mediating effect of alcohol abuse in the relationship between tobacco smoking and drug consumption is yet to be explored. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the association of individual and environmental factors and substance use, and to analyze the relationship between tobacco smoking, alcohol abuse, and drug consumption, considering alcohol abuse as a possible mediator. A total of 550 Spanish undergraduate and postgraduate students completed several questionnaires regarding their smoking status, alcohol use, and drug consumption during the last six months. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore associations between factors. Direct, indirect and mediating effects were tested using a partial least squares approach (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that substance abuse is associated with being male, living with other students, and combined substance consumption. PLS-SEM showed a significant effect of tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse on drug consumption. Alcohol abuse plays a mediating role in the relationship between tobacco smoking and drug use.

We Need to Delay the Age of Onset of Alcohol Consumption

In recent years, new consumption patterns, such as binge drinking, have increased among young people and have not always been recognized as problematic either by health personnel or by society in general, as they are intensive episodes, interspersed with no consumption periods. Although the prevalence of alcohol use disorders in the adult population continues to be higher in men than in women, these gender differences in relation to alcohol consumption are barely observed in adolescents between 14 and 18. Therefore, we are witnessing a change in the pattern of consumption, from regular to episodic, and an attenuation of gender differences. New patterns of alcohol consumption have not only been associated with an increased risk of alcohol use disorders in adult life, but also with neurocognitive involvement in youth. Understanding the risk and resilience factors of alcoholism or problematic drinking patterns will not only allow us to identify the most vulnerable group, but also to guide prevention programs towards protective factors; the skills that contribute to the natural abandonment of the pattern. Knowing the variables involved in the trajectories of abandonment and dependency would contribute to personalizing the interventions and increasing their efficacy and success—a lower relapse rate—, reducing the economic and socio-sanitary costs associated with alcohol dependency, as well as improving the health and well-being, family relations, work and social status of alcohol-dependent people.