Drug Use Intervention Needs among University Students

Abstract
Objectives: Use of psychoactive substances among adolescents and young adults is a universal problem and contributes enormous health burden. Many studies have determined the prevalence rates of psychoactive substances among university students but there is paucity of data on the prevalence of hazardous use and corresponding drug use intervention needs of the students. This study aimed to determine the two among university students.

Methods: The study design was cross-sectional survey. The World Health Organization’s Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test was used to categorize the participants into no/low risk, moderate risk and high risk drug users among 5722 undergraduates.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 18.8 years. The commonly ever-used substances were alcohol (33.6%), Tobacco products (4.3%), Amphetamine or other stimulant (2.8%) and Opioids (2.6%); while the commonly used substances in the past three months were alcohol (11.7%), Opioids (1.4%) and Tobacco products (1.2%). None of students who participated used any drug at high risk level, requiring referral for intensive treatment; but 1.2% used at least one substance at moderate risk / hazardous level.

Conclusions: While all the students in the university need universal and selective preventive measures, at least 1.2% of the students need indicated preventive program against alcohol and drug use.