Illicit methylphenidate use among Iranian medical students: prevalence and knowledge

Abstract

Background:Methylphenidate, a medication prescribed for individuals suffering from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is increasingly being misused by students.Objective:The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency of methylphenidate use among a group of Iranian medical students and to assess their knowledge of methylphenidate.Methods:Anonymous, self-administered questionnaires were completed by all medical students entering the university between 2000 and 2007.Results:Methylphenidate users’ mean knowledge score was higher than that of nonusers (15.83 ± 3.14 vs 13.66 ± 3.10, P = 0.008). Age, gender, and school year were positively correlated with knowledge score (P < 0.05). Data analysis demonstrated that 27 participants (8.7%) had taken methylphenidate at least once in their lifetime. The respondents believed that the most common motive for methylphenidate use among youths was that it aided concentration and therefore ability to study.Conclusion:This study indicates a relatively low level of knowledge about methylphenidate among Iranian medical students. More educational programs regarding the use of methylphenidate are required and should be focused on the student suppliers, clinicians, pharmacists, and medical students.

(Mis)use of prescribed stimulants in the medical student community: Motives and behaviors. A population-based cross-sectional study

“…In our sample, they were only consumed by respectively 1.5% and 0.8% of the participants in our sample. This is much lower than what has been reported in Switzerland (5.8%) 16 (P <0.001), Iran (4.9%-8.7%), 17,18 Australia (7.7%), 14 or United States (11.3%-18%).…”

The Use of Cognitive Enhancers Among Medical Students

“…In Lengvenyte et al study findings, students used drugs in order to study and they preferred short-term effects more than long-term effects (4). In all studies, improvement in concentration and increasing study hours were among the most important reasons (11,14,(20)(21)(22)(23)(24). According to Micoulaud-Franchi et al study, they were used for improving academic function in the first priority; in the second priority, for increasing lucubration; and in third place, for improving the attention and concentration (19).…”

“…Students that use CEs would experience major side effects, such as illusion, anxiety, irritability, tachycardia, and dangerous side effects such as addiction, seizure, and cardiovascular events (7,9). Some effects of methylphenidates are similar to cocaine's effect on the brain (9,13,14). According to studies in Iran, 41.7% of the Ritalin users use it to increase concentration (9,10).…”

Non-medical use of methylphenidate among medical students of the University of the Free State

“…Numerous studies have, however, found that healthy high school and university students use methylphenidate to improve concentration, alertness and academic performance, or for recreational purposes. 2,3,4,5 The term 'non-medical use' of prescription drugs is defined by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as the taking of prescription drugs, whether obtained by prescription or otherwise, other than in the manner or for the reasons or time period prescribed, or by a person for whom the drug was not prescribed. 6 In contrast, offlabel use in the United States (US) implies that the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permit physicians to prescribe approved medications for other than their intended indications, and misuse refers to the wrong, improper use or misapplication.…”