Abstract:
BACKGROUND : A recent study amongst South African dental students
found that a number of them had perceived moderate
to severe stress and as a result, some have resorted to
stimulant drugs.
AIM : The aim of the study was to assess substance use by
dental and oral hygiene students at a university in South
Africa.
DESIGN : A cross-sectional design was used and all dental and
oral hygiene students registered in 2019 at a university in
South Africa were asked to participate.
MATERIALS AND METHODS : A pretested, validated self-administered questionnaire
was used to achieve the aim. The objectives were to
identify which substances were used, where they were
obtained, frequency and reasons for use, as well as the
self-perceived benefits and side effects experienced.
Data was analysed using SPSS version 27. The data
was confidential and anonymity was ensured.
RESULTS : A total of 303 (88%) agreed to participate with ages from
17 to 36 years and a mean of 22.3 years. Over two thirds
206 (67.9%) used substances. Almost half of the group
(44.6%) took one product, 16.5% took two, and 7%
consumed between 3 and 5. The sources of substances
ranged from peers, friends, acquaintances and
pharmacies. Nearly twenty percent of the students used
caffeine products, energy drinks, and methylphenidate.
Almost 10% used anti-anxiety pills and anti-depressants
whilst just above 11% used natural boosters and
multivitamins. More than half of the students used the
substances to stay awake and improve marks and
45(22%) of the users struggled to stop.
CONCLUSIONS : Over two thirds of students used substances, with
almost half using one substance. There were multiple
sources of substances. More than half of the students
used them to stay awake and improve marks.
