Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this study were to estimate the prevalence and patterns of illicit drug use in a sample of University students from North Kosovo, to assess factors associated with illicit drug use and to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among students according to illicit drug use.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the Student Public Health Center, where 514 University students were enrolled from April to June 2015 in North Kosovo. Participants completed the general socio-demographic and behavioral questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the SF-36 questionnaire for HRQoL assessment. Data on lifetime illicit drug use were self-reported.ResultsAs much as 16.0% of students reported ever illicit drug use. The most frequently used drugs were marijuana (9.3%) and bromazepam (7.6%). Factors associated with ever illicit drug use were: being smoker and alcohol user, having chronic diseases and having higher depressive symptoms score. Ever illicit drug users reported all domains of HRQoL as worse.ConclusionThese results could serve as a tool for implementation of preventive strategies and University policies to promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors. Measurement of HRQoL could also be used as indicator of the effect of interventions designed to reduce and/or prevent illicit drug use at institutions of higher education.
Highlights
Illicit drug use is defined as use of any chemical substance that has been prohibited by international drug control treaties [1, 2]
The purpose of this study were to estimate the prevalence and patterns of illicit drug use in a sample of University students from North Kosovo, to assess factors associated with illicit drug use and to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among students according to illicit drug use
Ever illicit drug users reported all domains of HRQoL as worse
Summary
Illicit drug use is defined as use of any chemical substance that has been prohibited by international drug control treaties [1, 2]. These substances inherently alter physical, mental, emotional and/or behavioral functioning of an individual. Aside from marijuana, use of other illicit drugs such as ecstasy, amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, opiates, inhalants and steroids have been reported during college/University schooling [4,5,6,7]. Initiation of substance abuse, including illicit drug use, has been considered as factor associated with transition from high school to University, as possibilities for social interactions increase, while young people accept peer norms [9]. Use of illicit drugs is less common among college students than among young people of same age not attending college [10], illicit drug use is of major concern in this population group
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