Psychoactive substance use among first-year students in a Botswana University: pattern and demographic correlates

BMC Psychiatry
Anthony A OlashorePhilip R Opondo

Abstract

Substance use amongst university students is a recognized problem worldwide. Few studies have been carried out in this group in Botswana. These studies have been mostly limited to the use of alcohol and tobacco. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the pattern of general substance use, its association with psychological distress and common socio-demographic factors among first-year undergraduates in a Botswana University. A total of 401 students were interviewed using a modified W.H.O. student drug use questionnaire and the 12 item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) to assess the pattern of psychoactive substance use and its relationship with psychological distress amongst university students in Botswana. Alcohol was the most (31.9%) commonly used psychoactive substance. Age of debut for most psychoactive substances was between the ages of 15-18 years. Current use of alcohol (p = 0.045), amphetamine-type stimulants (p = 0.004) and benzodiazepines (p = 0.021) were associated with significant psychological distress. A positive relationship was observed between low participation in religious activities and substance use (OR = 4.63, 95%CI: 2.03-10.51), while a negative association was observed between not having a fr...Continue Reading

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Citations

Mar 28, 2020·Substance Abuse : Research and Treatment·Anthony A OlashoreJames O Ayugi
Jun 15, 2019·BMC Public Health·Anthony Idowu AjayiOluyinka Olutola Olajire
Oct 30, 2020·The Journal of International Medical Research·Philip R OpondoJames O Ayugi

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Software Mentioned

Statistical Package for Social Sciences ( SPSS

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