IJCM_189A: Prevalence of Substance use and associated factors among Undergraduate Medical students in a medical school in Jammu City of UT of J&K

Abstract

Background: Globally, the available literature indicates a disturbing and increasing trend of high levels of alcohol use, illicit drug use and misuse of prescription psychoactive drugs among the medical students. This interferes with the learning of medical students because of the cognitive and psychological impact the substance use can have on an individual and is also a cause of concern because of the direct negative impact substance use can have on the safety of patients, not to mention the conduct and efficiency of future doctors. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of substance use and the association of various socio-demographic factors associated with substance use among Undergraduate Medical students. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 482 Undergraduate Medical students pursuing M.B.B.S. at GMC Jammu from September to mid-November 2023. First of all the socio-demographic data was collected, followed by an assessment of substance use. It was done using the WHO ASSIST questionnaire, which was distributed to the participants in electronic format (Google form). The participants were instructed to read and answer each question honestly and to the best of their knowledge. Proportions with 95% Confidence Interval were used to summarize the substance use. Results: A total of 482 Medical undergraduates participated in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 20 years (± 1.34). The substance with the most prevalent use was alcohol (12.2%). Tobacco, sedatives and cannabis consumption was reported to be 6%, 1.9% and 1.5% respectively among the respondents. Conclusion: Despite being aware of the potential hazards, medical students continue substance abuse, which is indicative of a lack of awareness about one’s health as well as increased peer and academic pressure and a lack of parental supervision. Proper counselling with well-planned policies should be implemented to address the evil of substance abuse among aspiring doctors.