TÜRKİYE’DE AKDENİZ BÖLGESİNDE EĞİTİM GÖREN TIP ÖĞRENCİLERİNDE METİLFENİDATIN TIBBİ OLMAYAN KULLANIMI: NİTEL BİR ARAŞTIRMA

Abstract

Objective
 he misuse of methylphenidate is an important issue
 in the relevant literature. The abuse of these drugs
 for success, especially by high school and university
 students, is quite common at the international level.
 Young people consider these drugs as a savior in
 order to be successful in the exams and to sustain
 with their social life. It is possible that medical
 education is very hard and stressful for students in
 the world. The students feel too much pressure to
 succeed. So, this situation directs students towards
 alternatives that will reduce the pressure, stay awake
 and focus more. This study aims to understand the
 process and usage habits that direct medical students
 to methylphenidate.
 Material and Method
 The study was designed as a qualitative research
 method with an anthropological perspective. Medical
 students' experiences, thoughts, and observations
 on the illicit use of methylphenidate were collected
 by researcher, using the in-depth interviews. The
 study started with face-to-face interviews at the
 end of 2019. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the
 negotiations were completed in February 2022, after
 a long break. The opinions of 17 volunteer students
 who participated in the study were evaluated with a
 descriptive approach.
 Results
 According to our research findings, medical
 students are positive about the non-medical use of
 methylphenidate to save the day, despite its side
 effects. The use of the drug increases especially
 during exam periods. It is seen that drugs are as
 an easy alternative for students. The medicines are
 mostly provided from other friends who still use them.
 In addition, the drug is also used for weight loss. It is
 a fact that its effects are exaggerated and advertised
 among non-prescription users. The results of our
 research are similar with international ones.
 Conclusion
 There are very few studies on the illicit use of
 psychomotor stimulants in our country. The findings
 prove that medical students need healthy and
 sustainable alternatives to cope with the stress and
 pressure on them. It is thought that this study will be
 a basis for determining the long-term negative effects
 of misuse of the drugs and taking precautions. The
 research is a preliminary assessment to explore the
 current situation. It is clear that there is a need for
 more information, quantitative and qualitative data in
 the field.