Knowledge, attitudes and illicit drugs consumption among univerisity students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2022.46.13314Keywords:
ensino superior;, comportamentos;, drogas ilícitas;, substâncias psicoativas;Abstract
The problem of the consumption of illicit psychoactive substances by students in Higher Education is not new, since it is in this age group that the highest prevalence of consumption of these substances continues to be registered. In this sense, the aim of this study aims to relate the knowledge, attitudes and consumption of illicit drugs by university students at a public university in northern Portugal. This is a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 840 university students, stratified according to the scientific area and the year of study. A validated questionnaire survey composed of independent variables was used: sociodemographic, items about knowledge and attitudes towards the consumption of this type of drugs and dependent variables: consumption of illicit drugs (marijuana, cocaine and hallucinogens). The results showed that 22.2% of students used at least one of the illicit drugs listed in the last 12 months, marijuana being the most used. The students surveyed revealed a moderate level of knowledge and agreed that the experimentation with illicit drugs is due to curiosity, the influence of friends and, finally, emotional problems. Knowledge about illicit drugs showed a positive correlation with drug use. The conclusions of this study show the importance of continuing to invest in actions that promote the development of personal and social skills that prevent the influence of peers.
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