Evaluation of the Students’ Drug Use Intention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior Model (TPB) in North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Considering the high prevalence of drug use in Iran and the need to pay attention to this issue in educational environments, it is important to identify the underlying factors to plan preventive measures. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the intention of drug abuse in students of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences. Method: The current cross-sectional study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical design. The statistical population consisted of students of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences in 2022. The samples (n=237) were selected using a stratified sampling method. The tool for collecting information was the questionnaire of Mirzaei et al., whose validity and reliability were already confirmed. Data analysis was done in SPSS24 software and by Chi-square, independent t, Mann-Whitney, and logistic regression models. Results: The mean age of the participants was 23.75±3.86 (19-45) years. The history of smoking, alcohol use, and opium use was 28.3%, 23.6%, and 8%, respectively. Besides, 25.8% of the participants had a history of using other substances, including hashish, crack, heroin, ecstasy, amphetamine, and LSD. Based on the results of this study, the relationship between behavioral intention and attitude, abstract norms, and perceived behavioral control was statistically significant )P<0.05). Moreover, a significant relationship was observed between drug use and male gender, smoking, and having friends using drugs. Conclusion: Considering that attitude was a stronger predictor of behavioral intention, it seems that the implementation of appropriate educational programs can be an effective measure to raise students’ awareness in this regard.