1
|
Aslan B, Önal Ö. A systematic review of research on illicit substance use and a meta-analysis of its prevalence among college students in Türkiye. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2024:1-35. [PMID: 38742697 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2024.2351484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we attempted to systematically review and meta-analysis the prevalence and risk factors for illicit substance use (ISU) in Türkiye. Based on the PRISMA 2020 statement and checklist, we considered only full-text research articles on ISU among college students (CS) in Türkiye. We searched relevant research via Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and ULAKBIM between 11.06.2022-12.31.2022. We applied double arcsin transformation to the prevalence values and used the LFK index and trim and fill method to measure publication bias. In addition, we generated doi and funnel plots of the prevalence values reported in the selected studies. Among systematically reviewed 53 studies, we identified and meta-analyzed ISU prevalence in 37 studies. The mean prevalence of ISU was determined to be 0.06 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.07). We discovered that cannabis was the most commonly used substance, with an aggregate prevalence rate of 0.044 (95% CI: 0.026 to 0.066). Common risk factors for ISU were found to be gender, parental education, income, mental problems/suicide/attempted suicide, ISU in family members/relatives, smoking, and alcohol use. Despite the lower prevalence of ISU among students in Türkiye, the research findings emphasized that it has recently become a significant public health problem among the young.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Banu Aslan
- Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Türkiye
| | - Özgür Önal
- Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sampaio GR, Lima GS, de Souza SB, Soares DDM. Use of psychoactive substances among university students from 2019 to 2020: A systematic review. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 35:100724. [PMID: 38292320 PMCID: PMC10827412 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychoactive substances act on the central nervous system producing changes in mental processes, such as perception, consciousness, cognition or mood and emotions. The present study aims to identify: (i) the most used psychoactive substances, (ii) how psychoactive substances are acquired, (iii) and possible reasons for the use of psychoactive substances amongst university students. A literature search was carried out without language restrictions and included articles published between 2019 and 2020 in journals indexed in the electronic databases of Pubmed and Scielo. The inclusion criteria considered were: (i) original articles, (ii) studies carried out with university students, (iii) providing data on the use of psychoactive substances. 15 studies were included in this review, of which: 4 studies addressed possible reasons that lead to use of psychoactive substances, 10 studies reported usage profile and demographic data, and 1 study addressed how students acquire psychoactive substances. Reasons that led to the consumption of psychoactive substances include: feelings of loneliness after moving away from family; difficulty making new friends; poor academic performance and susceptible environment to acquisition of these substances. In the selected studies, alcohol was identified as the main drug used. In light of the findings reported in this review, new prevention and harm reduction measures can be formulated, based mainly on the reasons that lead to the use of psychoactive drugs, consumption patterns and how the drugs were acquired by university students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Reis Sampaio
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40170-115, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Silva Lima
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40170-115, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Suzana Braga de Souza
- Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, 40110-040, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Denis de Melo Soares
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40170-115, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Admasu Basha E, Semu Tefera A, Tesema Tilahun A, Fenta Amede A. Magnitude and Associated Factors of Psychoactive Substance Use among Youths at Selected Administrative Towns of North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. JOURNAL OF ADDICTION 2023; 2023:2124999. [PMID: 37051109 PMCID: PMC10085653 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2124999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Youth and adolescent psychoactive substance use is a major public health problem worldwide which affects the health of individuals, families, and the community as a whole. This study was aimed at assessing the level of psychoactive substance use and the associated factors among the youths of North Sowa zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2020/21. Community based cross-sectional study design with a multistage sampling technique was used. A total of 632 youths were involved in the study. Linear logistic regression analysis was used for both bivariate and multivariate analysis. The prevalence of life time and current psychoactive substance use was found to be 66.1% and 65%, respectively. Male sex and history of substance use from family members and friends were significantly associated with psychoactive substance use. In this study, the prevalence of life time and current psychoactive substance use was high as compared to other studies conducted in Ethiopia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elyas Admasu Basha
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, P.O. Box 445, Ethiopia
| | - Aklil Semu Tefera
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Alemnesh Tesema Tilahun
- Department of Laboratory, College of Medicine, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Fenta Amede
- Department of HIT, Debre Berhan Health Science College, Debre Berhan, P.O. Box 37, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Birhanu A, Bete T, Eyeberu A, Getachew T, Yadeta E, Negash A, Lami M, Balcha T, Sertsu A, Deballa A. Nearly One-Fourth of Eastern Ethiopian Adolescents are Current Psychoactive Substance Users: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2023; 14:25-34. [PMID: 37131538 PMCID: PMC10149075 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s401843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Psychoactive substance use is a growing health problem in both developing and developed countries. Despite adolescents being at high risk of practicing risky behaviors including substance use, there is no adequate information on the problem in the Harari Region, in the Eastern part of Ethiopia. Hence, the present study aimed to identify the burden of current substance use in high school adolescent students of Harari Region, Ethiopia, from 10th April to 10th May 2022. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was employed on a total of 1498 randomly selected adolescent students. Poisson regression was used for the assessment of substance use over the last three months among adolescent students. The substance use burden was reported by IRR (incidence rate ratio) at a 95% Confidence interval. The final model fitness was checked using Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) reports. The variables that had less than 0.05 P-value were declared to be statistically significant. Results The overall psychoactive substance use was 373 (24.9%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI); 22.8-27.1%). The substances included khat (21.6%, 95% CI; 18.6-23.6%), alcohol drinking (1.8%; 95% CI; 1.3-2.6%), and smoking (1.2%, 95% CI; 0.75-1.9%). Being male (IRR (Incidence Rate ratio) = 1.21, 95% CI; 1.11-1.38), availability of the substance (IRR (Incidence Rate ratio) = 2.02, 95%; 1.53-2.66), having substance user friends (IRR=1.60: 95% CI: 1.30-2.01), and being at a younger age (IRR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.44) increased the psychoactive substance use rate in the adolescents. Conclusion and Recommendation One out of four adolescents was a current psychoactive substance user. Being male, substance availability, having substance-user friends, and being at younger age increased the psychoactive substance use rate in school adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia. The intervention that involves the schools' community, students' families, and executive bodies should be strengthened to overcome the substance use-related burdens among high school adolescent students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdi Birhanu
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Abdi Birhanu, Haramaya University, P.O. Box: 235, Harar, Ethiopia, Email
| | - Tilahun Bete
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addis Eyeberu
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tamirat Getachew
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Elias Yadeta
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Negash
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Magarsa Lami
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tegenu Balcha
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addisu Sertsu
- Department of Nursing, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Adera Deballa
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abdelhakim AK, Bio-Sya A, Damien GB, Klikpo ETE, Gansou GM, Allabi AC. Diagnostic capabilities of self-reported psychoactive substance use among patients admitted to psychiatric consultations in Benin, West Africa. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:752. [PMID: 36451144 PMCID: PMC9714013 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04394-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a high prevalence of psychoactive substance use among patients with mental health disorders. The optimal treatment of patients with mental health disorders requires an awareness of their history pertaining substance use. Several methods are used to assess the use of substance. Each of them embodies its limitations. This study aimed at assessing the diagnostic capability of a self-report psychoactive substance use among patients at the National Psychiatric University Hospital of Cotonou, Benin. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 1, 2021 to November 24, 2021. A total of 157 consenting patients admitted to psychiatric consultations were successively enrolled in the ongoing study. They were screened for the use of psychoactive substance with Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), followed by urine test using the NarcoCheck® kit for qualitative detection of substances or its metabolites. To assess the diagnostic capability, the participants' self-responses were compared with their urine test results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and kappa coefficient were also calculated. RESULTS The frequency of lifetime psychoactive substance use according to self-report was 81.5% (95% CI: 0.746-0.873), while over the past three months (recent use) was 52.2% (95% CI: 0.441-0.603) and 58.6% based on the urine test. Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis were the most prevalent psychoactive substance used. The overall concordance between self-reported psychoactive substance use and the urine test (gold standard) was moderate (sensitivity = 66%; kappa = 0.46). Self-report cocaine use compared with urine test showed the highest concordance (sensitivity = 100%; kappa = 79%), followed by tobacco (sensitivity = 58%, kappa = 41%). On an average 70% of urine test results were consistent with self-report (VPP). Participants' were more accurate when they were reporting no psychoactive substance use as suggested by the high negative predictive value (NPV). CONCLUSION Diagnostic capability of self-reporting of psychoactive substance use among patients admitted to psychiatric consultations was moderate. Therefore self-reporting may not estimate the exact prevalence of psychoactive substance use. Optimal identification of psychoactive substances use in psychiatric patients requires both history and urine testing. The integration of these two approaches is an excellent method to find out the level, frequency and nature of drug used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmat K. Abdelhakim
- National Laboratory of Narcotic and Toxicology (LNST), Benin Center of Scientific Research and Innovation (CBRSI), Cotonou, Benin ,grid.412037.30000 0001 0382 0205Faculty of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Assad Bio-Sya
- National Laboratory of Narcotic and Toxicology (LNST), Benin Center of Scientific Research and Innovation (CBRSI), Cotonou, Benin ,grid.412037.30000 0001 0382 0205Faculty of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Georgia Barikissou Damien
- grid.412037.30000 0001 0382 0205Population and Health Department, Center for Training and Research in Population, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Elvyre T. E. Klikpo
- grid.412037.30000 0001 0382 0205National Center of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - G. M. Gansou
- grid.412037.30000 0001 0382 0205National Center of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Aurel C. Allabi
- National Laboratory of Narcotic and Toxicology (LNST), Benin Center of Scientific Research and Innovation (CBRSI), Cotonou, Benin ,grid.412037.30000 0001 0382 0205Faculty of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin ,National Laboratory of Narcotic and Toxicology (LNST), National Center of Scientific Research and Innovation (CBRSI), Cotonou, Benin
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bete T, Lami M, Negash A, Eyeberu A, Birhanu A, Berhanu B, Abdeta T, Nigussie S, Dechasa DB, Gemechu K, Wedaje D, Alemu A, Kibret H, Bayu K, Meseret F, Abinew Y, Wondimneh F, Dirirsa G, Godana A, Husen J, Alemu A, Nigussie K, Heluf H, Bogale K, Dessie Y. Current alcohol, tobacco, and khat use and associated factors among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:955371. [PMID: 36532190 PMCID: PMC9751331 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.955371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psychoactive substance use becomes a major public health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. Despite its burden and consequences, there is no community-based study conducted on psychoactive substance use and associated factors in eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinants of current alcohol, tobacco, and khat among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 955 adults living in Harari regional state. Participants were randomly recruited using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected by interviewer-administered structured and semi-structured questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14.0 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the outcome and independent variables, and the statistical significance was declared at a p < 0.5. Results Of 955 eligible participants, 95.29% participated in the study. The overall prevalence of current alcohol use, tobacco use, and khat use in this study was 8.24, 14.5, and 63.30%, respectively. The availability of alcohol, being unemployed, and being a current khat user were significantly associated with current alcohol use. Being male, having a low level of education, having peer pressure, having a common mental disorder, being a current alcohol user, and being a khat user were identified as significant predictors for current tobacco use. The age between 31 and 40 years, being a Muslim religion follower, being a farmer, being a current tobacco user, and availability of khat were significantly associated with current khat use. Conclusion and recommendations The prevalence of psychoactive substance use in the study area was relatively high compared with that of previous studies. By considering these determinants, screening, early identification, and developing appropriate intervention strategies to prevent and tackle current alcohol, tobacco, and khat use in the community should be of great concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tilahun Bete
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Magarsa Lami
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Negash
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addis Eyeberu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abdi Birhanu
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bekelu Berhanu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tilahun Abdeta
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Shambel Nigussie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Deribe Bekele Dechasa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Kabtamu Gemechu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Dawud Wedaje
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Ayichew Alemu
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Haregeweyn Kibret
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Kefelegn Bayu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Fentahun Meseret
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yideg Abinew
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Fenta Wondimneh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Gebisa Dirirsa
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abduro Godana
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Jemal Husen
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addisu Alemu
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Kabtamu Nigussie
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Helina Heluf
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Kasahun Bogale
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bio-Sya A, Damien GB, Kpatchavi AC, Allabi AC. Prevalence, associated factors and level of dependence of substance use among urban secondary school students, Benin. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 131:205-213. [PMID: 35706341 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The use of psychoactive substances is constantly increasing, particularly among young people. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and the level of dependence of those substances among secondary school students in Benin. This cross-sectional study included 627 students in grades 8-12, selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using the ASSIST questionnaire, followed by urine screening. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate factors associated with substance use. Overall, the lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 95.4% (95% CI = 93.4-96.9), while the current use was 78.8% (95% CI = 75.3-81.9). The most commonly used substances in the past 3 months were alcohol, followed by stimulants and tobacco; 221 samples were analysed. Twenty-two (9.95%) were positive by urine screening. Substances detected were tramadol, fentanyl, THC, K2, BZDs, alcohol, methamphetamine and cotinine. Of the current users, 2.27% (n = 11) were at high risk of dependency. An association was found between substance use and age (p = 0.02). In conclusion, this study came up with a high prevalence of substance use among students. There is a need to develop and implement a health education programme in secondary schools to raise awareness of the potential risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Assad Bio-Sya
- National Laboratory of Narcotic and Toxicology (LNST), Beninese Center of Scientific Research and Innovation (Cbrsi), Cotonou, Benin.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Georgia Barikissou Damien
- Population and Health Department, Center for Training and Research in Population, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Adolphe C Kpatchavi
- Laboratory of Applied Medical Anthropology (LAMA), University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Aurel C Allabi
- National Laboratory of Narcotic and Toxicology (LNST), Beninese Center of Scientific Research and Innovation (Cbrsi), Cotonou, Benin.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
El Ansari W, Salam A, Suominen S. Is Alcohol Consumption Associated with Poor Perceived Academic Performance? Survey of Undergraduates in Finland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041369. [PMID: 32093287 PMCID: PMC7068310 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between academic performance and alcohol consumption among students remains inconsistent. We assessed this relationship, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics across seven faculties at the University of Turku (1177 undergraduates). An online questionnaire assessed: seven sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, year/discipline of study, accommodation type, being in intimate relationship, parental education, and income sufficiency); two perceived academic performance (students’ subjective importance of achieving good grades and students’ appraisal of their academic performance compared to peers); and six alcohol consumption behaviors (length of time, amount consumed, frequency, heavy episodic drinking, problem drinking, and possible alcohol dependence). Simple logistic regression assessed relationships between sociodemographic and academic variables with alcohol consumption behaviors; multiple logistic regression assessed the same relationships after controlling for all other variables. Students reported long duration and large amount of drinking (46% and 50%), high frequency of drinking (41%), heavy episodic drinking (66%), problem drinking (29%), and possible alcohol dependence (9%). After controlling, gender was associated with all alcohol consumption behaviors, followed by religiosity (associated with four alcohol behaviors), living situation, marital status, age (each associated with two alcohol behaviors), and parental education and year of study (each associated with one alcohol behavior). Study discipline, income sufficiency, importance of achieving good grades, and academic performance compared to peers were not associated with any alcohol behaviors. Universities need to assess problem drinking and alcohol use disorders among students. Prevention strategies are required to reduce risk. Health promotion efforts could focus on beliefs and expectations about alcohol and target student groups at risk for more efficient and successful efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walid El Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha 3050, Qatar
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 3050, Qatar
- School of Health and Education, University of Skovde, 541 28 Skövde, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Abdul Salam
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha 3050, Qatar;
| | - Sakari Suominen
- School of Health and Education, University of Skovde, 541 28 Skövde, Sweden;
| |
Collapse
|