Psychoactive substances and medical students: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To identify the incidence, factors, and consequences of psychoactive substances use among medical students. Methods: Systematic review in MEDLINE-PUBMED, BIREME, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, and SCIELO. The inclusion criteria were observational articles from the last five years, medical students’ population, reporting incidence, factors, or consequences. The exclusion criteria were articles before 2018, repeated, reviews, or academic teaching articles. The selection criteria were: 1. Descriptors and date. 2. Title citing medical students. 3. Not repeated articles. 4. Observational study, containing incidence and/or factors for and/or consequences. 5. Objective data matching the objective of this review. The selection process was conducted by the PRISMA statements. Results: A total of 24 articles were included. This review observed a high incidence of alcohol use, growing and high rates of cannabis use, especially in Brazil, low and growing tax of cocaine and crack use, frequent use of nonprescribed stimulants, and high incidence with new forms of tobacco use. Factors for using can be classified as fun, socialization, stress, anxiety, depression, and academic performance. Concomitant use of two or more substances is commonly reported. The consequences of this behavior were health, financial, legal, social, familial, and academic issues. Factors and consequences differed according to the type of substance. Conclusion: There is a high incidence, different factors and consequences, and cumulative use of psychoactive substances by medical students. Professors and institutions need a more comprehensive approach to this theme. Students need to be aware of the risks.