Substance use among young adults in professional degree colleges of urban Bengaluru

Abstract

Background: Substance use is a significant problem in our societies and is increasing day by day due to factors like easy availability, rapid socioeconomic changes, etc. The professional degree students are at risk as they are exposed to high levels of stress and competition. Aim & Objective: To find out the burden of substance use among young adults in professional degree colleges, to assess the effect of substance use on health among study subjects, to compare the health status between substance users and non-users. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students studying in various professional degree colleges of Urban Bengaluru between July 2017 to December 2017. Methods and Material: A total of 1400 study subjects were included and administered a pre-tested, semi structured questionnaire and relevant information was obtained using Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (WHO ASSIST) V3.0 scale. Statistical analysis used: Data was entered using MS Excel 2016 and was analysed in Stata 12.1 (Stata Corp, Texas, USA). Z test for proportions, Univariate logistic regression and Multivariate logistic regression were used as appropriate. Results: The overall prevalence of substance use was 35%. Dizziness was the most common health symptoms observed in substance users. Male, students staying in hostels/ paying guest, foreign nationals, substance use in the family and presence of conflict were found to be significant risk factors for substance use. Conclusions: The burden of substance use was observed in about one third of the subjects. Substance use was significantly associated with health problems.