Abstract
ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To describe drug consumption and the co-occurrence use of more than one illegal drug as well as associated factors in freshmen at a public university in Southern Brazil.METHODS Cross-sectional study with census of students entering undergraduate courses in 2017. A total of 1,788 university students answered questions about illicit drug use. For analysis, ordinal logistic regression was used.RESULTS Marijuana was the most consumed drug (lifetime: 42.1%; 30-day use: 22.7%), followed by hallucinogens (lifetime: 13.1%, 30-day use: 2.8%). Rates for lifetime use of 0, 1 and 2 or more drugs were 56.2%, 23.3% and 20.4%, respectively, and were associated with men (OR = 2.2; 95%CI:1.4–3.5), being at least 23 years old (OR = 2.7; 95%CI: 1.4–5.1), under 18 years old first experimentation with drugs (OR = 2.3; 95%CI: 1.3–3.9) and living with friends (OR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.2–3.4). Rates for 30-day use of 0, 1 and 2 or more drugs were 76.8%; 18.1% and 5.1%, respectively, and were associated with being single, separated or widowed (OR = 3.2; 95%CI: 1.4–7.0), lower socioeconomic classes (OR = 0.3; 95%CI: 0.1–1.1; p = 0.001), under 18 years old first experimentation with drugs (OR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.1–2.9) and living with friends (OR = 1.8 95%CI: 1.2–2.8).CONCLUSION Results indicate that students are at greater risk of illicit drug-related health problems. Thus, a better understanding of this consumption should be pursued, as well as the development of a prevention plan.
Highlights
It is estimated that 275 million people worldwide, approximately 5.6% of the world’s population aged between 15 and 64, used drugs at least once in 2016
Rates for 30-day use of 0, 1 and 2 or more drugs were 76.8%; 18.1% and 5.1%, respectively, and were associated with being single, separated or widowed (OR = 3.2; 95% confidence intervals (95%CI): 1.4–7.0), lower socioeconomic classes (OR = 0.3; 95%CI: 0.1–1.1; p = 0.001), under 18 years old first experimentation with drugs (OR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.1–2.9) and living with friends (OR = 1.8 95%CI: 1.2–2.8)
Between 2000 and 2015, deaths due to drug use increased over 60%, of which approximately 168,000 were directly associated with drug-induced disorders
Summary
It is estimated that 275 million people worldwide, approximately 5.6% of the world’s population aged between 15 and 64, used drugs at least once in 2016. Between 2000 and 2015, deaths due to drug use increased over 60%, of which approximately 168,000 were directly associated with drug-induced disorders (mainly overdoses). About 31 million people who used drugs suffered from use-related disorders[1]. The university period is characterized by independence and distancing from parental supervision. It features a transition period, including different living conditions from those of childhood and adolescence, new experiences, new bonds of friendship and family pressure[2]. Undesirable results are a public health concern[7], including unsafe sex[3], depression[8], poor academic performance[5] and dropouts[8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
