Substance abuse among university students in Egypt: prevalence and correlates

Abstract

Background: Drug abuse is a global challenge with harmful effects on health, wealth and wellbeing of nations. University students report more habitual use of marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens and illicit drugs than noncollege students report. Aims: To identify the prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse and to identify some factors associated with drug abuse. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruiting 2552 students from all faculties hosted by Kafr El-Sheikh University during the academic year 2018–2019. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of current drug abuse was 8.9% for cigarette smoking, followed by tranquilizers (4.3%), hashish (3.6%), alcohol (2.7%), bhang (1.4%) and tramadol (1.0%). Men reported significantly greater use of cigarettes, alcohol, tramadol, hashish and bhang than women. Students of practical colleges were found to smoke cigarettes and abuse hashish significantly more than their peers in other colleges. Risk factors associated with drug abuse were mainly related to gender and college type. Conclusion: There is a need to design and implement programmes to raise awareness and provide supportive services for prevention and management of drug abuse among university students tailored according to their needs.