Assessment of prevalence, nature, and factors associated with substance abuse among medical undergraduate students in Northern India

• DOI: 10.71152/ajms.v16i1.4331
• Publication Date: 2025-01-01T12:51:16Z
• Authors: Suneel Kumar; Himani Deswal; Jyoti Kaushal; Jyoti Sharma; Monika Verma; Niti Mittal
• Keywords: Peer pressure; Alcohol abuse

Background: In recent years, drug abuse among the student population has increased to an alarming rate in India and that too medical students. Substance students important implications for their personal health, training, clinical practice. Aims Objectives: To plan effective interventions, it is essential have information on extent, type, factors associated with substance Hence this study was undertaken find prevalence pattern of abuse. Materials Methods: A cross-sectional conducted undergraduate college all professional years. Students were assessed help a structured self-administered questionnaire entitled “Pattern students” as tool data collection. The had three domains viz. demographic characteristics, short Michigan alcohol screening test, Fagerstrom test assessment level nicotine dependence. World Health Organization-Alcohol, Smoking, Involvement Screening Test Scale also used increase validity results. Results: Alcohol Nicotine most commonly abused substances trend abusing increases per ladder professionalism. majority initiated because peer pressure mental stress during academic life. problem more hostellers. Most continued feeling enjoyment performance exams. Conclusion: Awareness creation counseling camps along interventions are recommended needed curb