Misuse of prescription drugs and other psychotropic substances among university students: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Prescription drug abuse has emerged as the fastest growing problem globally. While people of all ages suffer from the harmful effects, the impact on the health of young people and their quality of life constitutes a significant public health problem. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of the use of prescription drugs and other substances among university students Methods: An online survey method was used. The tools were distributed in 2019 to 794 university students at Aden University in Yemen 48.2% (n = 383) and King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia 51.8% (n = 411). Students answered the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10), and a questionnaire on drug and substance abuse. Results: The overall prevalence of low, moderate, substantial and severe on the DAST-10 scale was 27.2%, 10.5%, 2.1% and 0.8%, respectively. The prevalence of sedative misuse among university students was high (12.5%) and the differences between Yemeni and Saudi Arabian students in prescription drug and sedative misuse were significant. Female students were significantly lower than males on the DAST-10 scale. About 3% of the Yemenis were abusing diazepam, while over 31% of Saudi Arabians were abusing inhalants. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the differences between university students in Yemen and Saudi Arabia misusing prescription stimulants and sedatives and the inhalation of volatile substances.