Use of psychoactive substances among nursing and medical students

Abstract

Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances has been a worldwide problem that also affects university students. This study aimed to raise patterns of psychoactive substances used among Nursing and Medical students of a public institution of higher education. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study of quantitative approach, conducted between September and November 2020 in the context of a public higher education institution in southern Bahia, Brazil. The sample consisted of 202 university students. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and the scale of screening for the use of Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). The descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: Most university students from nursing and medical courses (77.7%, n=156) have already used any of the PAS in lifetime. Among those who have used some substances, the highest frequency of use was alcoholic beverages (nursing 56%; medicine 43.4%), followed by marijuana (nursing 17.6%; medicine 23.6%) and tobacco (nursing 13.7%; medicine 10.4%). There was no use of hallucinogens and cocaine/crack by nursing students. Conclusion: The high incidence of PAS use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and hypnotics/sedatives) among students, in isolation or poly-use, represents risks that should be considered as a warning to the necessity of developing mental and academic health strategies regarding the use of PSA.