An inferential comparison between the capabilities and achievements of 1st-year medical and nursing students at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Gerber, Anthonie M.; Botes, Riaan; Vorster, Annelize

doi:10.7196/ajhpe.2016.v8i2.719

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

References 9 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The emotional toll and responsibility when dealing with patients as part of daily routine training and as part of their clinical examinations cause students to rely on drugs in order to cope under these circumstances. This was also found in a South African study conducted by Gerber, Botes and Vorster (2016).…”

Section: Introduction Backgroundsupporting

confidence: 80%

“…Although participating students mostly reported no adverse effects, that is, any negative impact from previous results, on their academic performance associated with their alcohol and substance use or cigarette smoking, the results indicate poor habits and lifestyle choices that could affect not only future academic performance but also patient care. This is supported by findings regarding capabilities and function among medical students indicating that academic stressors and working conditions are not ideal (Gerber et al 2016).The rigours of medical training may place students at higher risk for burnout, depression, and low mental and emotional quality of life, which may lead to alcohol abuse (Jackson et al 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 86%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Second and third year medical students’ self-reported alcohol and substance use, smoking habits and academic performance at a South African medical school

Vorster

Gerber

Merwe

et al. 2019

Health SA Gesondheid

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Health professional students frequently use alcohol and narcotics. The potential impact on academic performance and professional behaviour is concerning.Aim: This study aimed to determine self-reported use of alcohol, illicit substances (e.g. cannabis, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], magic mushroom, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, methamphetamine and heroin), prescription medication and smoking habits, correlating academic performance.Setting: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State.Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used. Information was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire, capturing demographics, self-reported academic performance, drinking and smoking habits, and substance use. Coded responses were analysed using the Remark Office OMR 8 Software System. Descriptive statistics were calculated for categorical variables.Results: Completed questionnaires comprised 171 students. A total of 78.4% of second year and 82.8% of third year students reported using alcohol. Twenty-two per cent of second year and 24.1% of third year students reported cannabis use. In the second year group, three (2.7%) students reported using magic mushroom, two (1.8%) reported cocaine, two (1.8%) reported ecstasy and one (0.9%) reported using methamphetamine. Only third year students reported using LSD or ‘crack’. Cigarette smoking was common – 31.5% and 35.1% in both groups, respectively. Smokeless tobacco devices were used by 8.5% of second year and 7.1% of third year students. Almost 40% of both groups reported that they had smoked a water pipe. Academic performance achieved was mostly 60% – 69% (38.9%) among second year students and 70% – 79% (46.6%) among third year students.Conclusion: Self-reported use of alcohol and drugs and smoking among medical students is alarming. Additional student support, early identification and referral for management and/or rehabilitation should be a priority at tertiary institutions responsible for training future healthcare professionals.

show abstract

Section: Introduction Backgroundsupporting

confidence: 80%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 86%