Substance Abuse Awareness and Attitudes: a Cross-Sectional Study Among Medical and Non-Medical Undergraduates

Abstract

Purpose: Substance abuse is an alarming public health concern, especially among students, due to the increased exposure and stressors in academic and social settings. The present study evaluates and compares the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of medical and non-medical undergraduates towards substance abuse, targeting to detect the gaps in awareness and preventive strategies.

Method: This study included 274 students (137 medical and 137 non-medical (arts and commerce streams)). Structured and validated online questionnaire was used. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, with statistical significance level, p < 0.05.

Results: Medical students (58.7%) demonstrated significantly higher awareness of substance abuse compared to non-medical students (41.3%) (p < 0.0001). Family tension (p < 0.001) and career pressure (p < 0.001) were recognized as major factors contributing to substance use. While medical students exhibited better knowledge of addiction hazards, non-medical students showed a greater preference for awareness programs as an educational approach (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Medical students had a greater awareness of substance abuse; however, both groups acknowledge its negative effects. Strengthening early education initiatives and implementing novel preventive strategies, such as interactive workshops and awareness campaigns, could play a crucial role in decreasing substance abuse among undergraduates.

Keywords: addiction; adolescents; knowledge; perception of substance abuse; training.