A survey of alcohol and drug use among UK based dental undergraduates

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of alcohol and drug use.

Design: Anonymous self-report questionnaire.

Setting: A UK dental school in May 1998.

Subjects and methods: 1st-5th year dental undergraduates (n = 264) were questioned on their use of alcohol and tobacco, cannabis and other illicit drugs whilst at dental school, and before entry.

Results: Eighty two per cent of male and 90% of female undergraduates reported drinking alcohol. Of those drinking, 63% of males and 42% of females drank in excess of sensible weekly limits (14 units for females, 21 units for males), with 56% of males and 58.5% of females 'binge drinking'. Regular tobacco smoking (10 or more cigarettes a day) was found to have a statistically significant association with year of study, 4th-5th year undergraduates being eight times more likely to regularly smoke than their junior colleagues. Fifty five per cent of undergraduates reported cannabis use at least once or twice since starting dental school, with 8% of males and 6% of females reporting current regular use at least once a week.

Conclusion: Dental undergraduates are drinking above sensible weekly limits of alcohol, binge drinking and indulging in illicit drug use. Dental Schools should designate a teacher responsible for education of undergraduates regarding alcohol and substance abuse.