Alcohol Use Behaviors Among Pharmacy Students

Objective. To identify reasons for drinking, determine the patterns of alcohol abuse, and explore relationships between drinking motives and alcohol abuse patterns in pharmacy students.Methods. A cross-sectional anonymous, voluntary, self-administered paper survey instrument was administered to first-year (P1) through third-year (P3) pharmacy students as part of a professional seminar.Results. Survey instruments were completed by 349 pharmacy students (95.9% cooperation rate). Using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test criteria, 23.2% of students reported hazardous or harmful use and 67.2% of students reported consuming alcohol at hazardous levels during the past year. Students who were male (37.0%), single (25.3%), and attended the main campus (26.2%) were more likely than their counterparts to report hazardous or harmful alcohol use. Pharmacy students reported social motives as the most common reason for drinking; however, coping and enhancement motives were more predictive of harmful or hazardous alcohol use.Conclusion. Approximately 1 in 4 pharmacy students (23%) reported hazardous or harmful alcohol use. Education about the dangers of alcohol abuse and intervention programs from colleges and schools of pharmacy are recommended to help address this issue.     

Acculturation,Sexual Behavior,and Alcohol Use among Latinas

We explored the relationship of alcohol use to unsafe sex in Latinas. Telephone interviews were conducted with 523 currently sexually active Latinas aged 18–49 years. Only 7.5% of these women used alcohol half of the time or more prior to sex. “Regular” alcohol users had more sexual partners, but also had more experience with condom use, used condoms with primary partners as frequently as nonusers of alcohol, and used condoms more with secondary partners. While Latinas who use alcohol prior to sex more often have multiple sexual partners, alcohol use does not appear to interfere with condom use. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]     

Alcohol Use among Graduate Business Administration Students

This study of fully employed master's students in a graduate school of business administration found no significant differences in the drinking levels of men and women. The majority are heavy drinkers. There is a tendency for female and Jewish students to prefer wine. Despite the role that beverage alcohol plays in the corporate world, few students were interested in alcohol education.     

Nonmedical Drug Use Patterns among Medical Students

Interrelationships in the use of nonmedical drug use and tobacco use are explored based on self-reports by 165 medical students at an average-sized southeastern medical school. Lifetime and current use of drugs among these students appears consistent with earlier studies. Several background and demographic characteristics are correlated with drug use; higher rates of use are found among males, older students, and students who frequently miss classes. No correlation is observed between drug use and class standing, sibling position, social relationships, or family drug use patterns. Tobacco use was found to be low among these medical students but was highly correlated with nonmedical drug use. Drug use patterns appear to have developed in high school and college, and to persist, albeit at a diminished rate, during medical school. The findings provide little support for the belief that marijuana or cocaine use substitutes for alcohol use; higher consumption of virtually any recreational drug is predictive of higher use of other recreational drugs.     

Antisocial Behavior: Its Relation to Selected Sociodemographic Variables and Alcohol and Drug Use among Mexican Students

This study is part of the National School Survey on drug use by high school students in Mexico. The validity, reliability, and results of the Antisocial Acts Scale in Mexico City (n = 3, 501) are discussed. Using factorial analyses of the Antisocial Acts Scale, two major sources of variability were observed. The first one is related to antisocial acts with severe social consequences, in which violence and drug selling are included, and the second one is related to thefts. Significant differences were found in the number of offenses among groups of different gender, age, and occupation during the previous year. More antisocial acts were perpetrated by alcohol and drug users than by nonusers. In a logistic regression model, it was found that the main risk factors for perpetrating antisocial acts were being male, using alcohol, and using other drugs. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]     

Alcohol and Drug Use among Displaced Persons: An Overview

This paper provides a brief introduction to current research concerned with alcohol and drug use, misuse, and treatment among displaced persons, including immigrants, refugees, and homeless individuals. Among the topics examined are theoretical issues related to our understanding of substance use processes among displaced populations, methodological considerations, and directions for future research. The review is followed by an annotated bibliography of recent work related to this topic.     

Association Between Using Smartphone Dating Applications and Alcohol and Recreational Drug Use in Conjunction With Sexual Activities in College Students

Background: The association between using smartphone dating applications (apps) and substance use in conjunction with sexual activities was only examined in homosexual men. This association was poorly understood in heterosexual samples. Objective: To explore the association between using dating apps and alcohol, and use of recreational drug in conjunction with sexual activities in college students. Design: 666 students from four universities in Hong Kong were recruited in this cross-sectional study in the year 2015. Outcome measures included the use of dating apps, sexual history, and drug and alcohol use. Multivariable logistic regressions were employed. Results: The use of dating apps for more than 1 year was found to be associated with recreational drug use in conjunction with sexual activities (adjusted odds ratio: 7.23). Other risk factors of recreational drug use in conjunction with sexual activities included being bisexual/homosexual male, a smoker, and having one's first sexual intercourse at the age of less than 16 years. The use of dating apps was not a risk factor for alcohol consumption in conjunction with sexual activities. Risk factors for alcohol consumption in conjunction with sexual activities included being older, having monthly income more than HKD5,000, and a smoker. Furthermore, risk factors for alcohol consumption in conjunction with the last sexual activity included currently being in a dating relationship, a smoker, and having sex with a casual partner. Conclusions: Using dating apps is an emerging risk factor of drug misuse. Interventions for practising safe sex and preventing drug use should be targeted at dating app users.     

Proximal Predictors of Alcohol Use among Japanese College Students

Background and Objectives: This study investigated how negative social interactions (e.g., disagreeing with a friend) predicted subsequent drinking behaviors among Japanese college students. Because of social influences on drinking, and cultural norms for maintaining social harmony and making amends in response to social transgressions in Japanese culture, the authors hypothesized that students would consume more alcohol socially following increases in negative social interactions. Drinking refusal self-efficacy and social self-efficacy were also studied as moderators of social drinking. Methods: Fifty-five college students (79% women) of legal drinking age completed a once-daily Internet survey for 30 days, providing 1195 daily reports of drinking and social interaction. Prior to the daily survey, participants reported on Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy and Social Self-Efficacy in an initial Internet-based assessment. Results: Students drank more socially in the evening following daytime increases in negative social interactions, relative to evenings following fewer such exchanges (b = .23, p < .001). At the between-person level, students who reported stronger confidence in refusing to drink drank less socially compared to those who reported less confidence in drinking refusal (b = ?.53, p < .001). Yet, those with higher social self-efficacy, which is typically a health-protective factor, drank more socially compared to their counterparts (b = .32, p < .05). Conclusions and Importance: Japanese college students increased their social drinking in response to daily negative social interactions, consistent with the notion that this drinking pattern represents efforts to make amends to others. Interventions targeted toward increasing students' confidence in refusing to drink may be beneficial in reducing social drinking in this population.     

Tobacco,Alcohol, and Illicit Drug Use among Mexican-American and Non-Hispanic White High School Student

This study examined the prevalence, age of initiation, and pattern of substance use among 1,617 Mexican-American and non-Hispanic White high school students residing within the same geographic community. Ethnic differences were present for current smoking, having used alcohol in the past month, “heavy drinking” per occasion, and ever used marijuana. Age of initiation of substance use and the pattern of use was similar for the two ethnic groups. Future research needs to determine if the progression of initiation represents a sequence of initiation, identify factors that influence movement along the sequence, and determine if there are ethnic differences.

En este estudio se investigó la ocurrencia, edad de iniciación y patrón de uso de tabaco, alcohol, mariguana y cocaína en una población de 1617 estudiantes de bachillerato méxicoamericanos y otros que no eran de origen hispano, pero quo vivían en la misma comunidad geográfica. Las diferencias étnicas estaban presentes para el tabaquismo actual, consumo de bebidas alcohólicas en el último mes, consumo de bebidas alcohólicas en gran cantidad pero esporádicamente y uso de mariguana. La edad de iniciación y el patrón de uso reultó ser similar para ambos grupos étnicos. Las futuras investigaciones deberán determinar si el avance después de la iniciación representa una secuencia de iniciación e identificar factores que influyen en la movilidad dentro de la secuencia y determinar si hay diferencias étnicas.

Cette analyse examine la fréquence, l'àge de commencement et les habitudes de consommation chez les 1617 étudiants mexicains-américains et nonhispaniques des établissements d'ducation secondaire résidant dans une měme communauté géographique. Il existait des différences ethniques parmi ceux qui sont fumeurs, ceux qui avaient consommé de l'alcool pendant les trente jours, précédents, ceux qui buvaient en excés de façon sporadique et ceux qui avaient. fumé de la marijuana à un moment ou un autre. L'aˇge auquel ils ont commencé á consommer des produits illicites et les habitudes de consommation étaient les měmes pour les deux groupes ethniques. Dans l'avenir, la recherche devrait déterminer si la progression représente un enchaiˇnement de commencements et identifier les facteurs qui influencent la progression le long de la chaiˇne et déterminer s'il y a des différences ethniques.     

Survey of Alcohol and Other Drug Use Attitudes and Behaviors in Nursing Students

ABSTRACT

Statewide nursing student alcohol and other drug (AOD) use attitudes and behaviors were assessed. Response was 929/2017 (46%) (practical nursing [n = 173/301] 57.3%; diploma and associate degree in nursing [n = 282/417] 67.6%; bachelor of science in nursing [n = 474/1299] 36.5%). Nearly 44% reported inadequate substance abuse education. Past-year AOD use included tobacco 36.9%, marijuana 6.8%, sedatives 4.6%, and opioids 2.6%. Past-year AOD-related events included blackouts 19.8%, class/work under the influence 6.3%, patient care under the influence 3.9%, lowered grades/job evaluations 6.6%, and legal charges 3.6%. Heavy drinking was reported by 28.9%. Practical nursing (PN) students most often reported tobacco use and sedative use, whereas Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) students most often reported marijuana use. Family histories of alcohol-related problems and drug-related problems were reported, respectively, by 48.1% and 19.2% of respondents; 51.1% reported at least one of these. PN students most often reported such family histories. Nursing educational systems should proactively address student AOD prevention, education, and assistance.     

Correlates of High-Risk and Low-Risk Alcohol Use among College Students in Kerala,India

This study describes the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use among college students in Ernakulam, Kerala State, India. A total of 5784 students from 58 colleges selected by stratified random sampling completed a questionnaire incorporating standardized instruments. The prevalence of lifetime alcohol use was 21.4% with a male predominance. Among users, low-risk, hazardous, and dependent use were 80.2%, 18.3% and 0.9% respectively. Initiation was mostly with friends (45.3%). Both low-risk and high-risk alcohol users (hazardous and dependent users), in comparison to abstainers, had higher odds of being older, non-Muslim, having a part-time job, using other substances, and exposure to sexual abuse. Students who reported low-risk use also had an urban background, more severe psychological distress and suicidal thoughts, while high-risk users had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Students who reported high-risk use compared to low-risk users had higher odds of having a part-time job, tobacco use, and ADHD symptoms. Alcohol use among college students is common, with both low- and high-risk drinking associated with significant morbidity. This study highlights the need to promote public health policies to target and prevent all patterns of alcohol use among young people.     

Knowledge and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among British Undergraduate Pharmacy Students

Aim: Attitudes and practice concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are currently an area of considerable importance. However, little is known about the overall importance of CAM in groups of health care professionals. Therefore, the primary objective was to analyse the knowledge about and use of CAM in an ethnically diverse student population at the London School of Pharmacy. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to students (264 completed questionnaires, response rate: 59.1%) and in-depth interviews were carried out with a sample of seven students. Results: Forty-three percent reported using at least one type of CAM during the last 12 months. The types of CAM used that were most frequently mentioned include aromatherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and medicinal herbalism. TCM was reported by students of Chinese origin and by students from other ethnic backgrounds. However, Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine and medicine from Africa were only used in cultures from which the users originated. The study shows that a large number of herbal medical products were commonly reported by students of pharmacy. Conclusion The knowledge about and use of CAM is widespread among this group of future health care professionals and the students also expressed a strong interest in the topic. In-depth studies on the knowledge and use of CAM among other health care professionals and among ethnic minorities are urgently needed and may help to better manage the treatment of minor disorders as well as chronic diseases.     

Drug Use among 8th Grade Students Is Increasing

Among United States 8th grade students, marijuana and stimulant use declined from 1987 to 1990. Since then, marijuana and inhalant use have increased. Before 1989, marijuana was the most frequently tried drug by 8th graders. Since then, more students have tried inhalants than have tried marijuana.     

Illicit Drug Use and Social Victimization among Thai Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents

Objectives: We examined the prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use and social victimization, and their association, among sexual and gender minority (SGM) and non-SGM Thai adolescents. Methods: In 2013, we conducted a school-based national survey among students grades 7–12 (aged 13–20?years) from 15 secondary schools (n?=?2,070) around Thailand. We classified adolescents with same-sex attraction, sexual or gender non-conforming identities as SGM. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the odds of illicit drug use by SGM and non-SGM status. Results: Prevalence of lifetime illicit drug use was significantly higher among SGM adolescents than non-SGM adolescents (10.3 vs. 5.3%), but did not differ between those with same-sex attraction and SGM identity (10.3 vs. 10.8%). Among non-SGM adolescents, general social victimization, sexual experience and any school truancy were associated with lifetime illicit drug use (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.53, 4.38; OR = 6.59, 95% CI: 4.90, 8.86; and OR = 4.93, 95% CI: 3.13, 7.75, respectively). Among SGM adolescents, SGM-based social victimization, depressive symptomology and suicidal ideation were associated with lifetime illicit drug use (OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 2.03, 4.95; OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 2.32, 10.90; and OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 2.76, 9.16, respectively). Conclusions: SGM adolescents have higher burden of illicit drug use. Moreover, illicit drug use among SGM adolescents is indicative of depressive symptomology and suicidal ideation. Tailored and comprehensive programs are needed to reduce the gap in burden of illicit drug use between SGM and non-SGM adolescents.     

Alcohol Use,Drug Use,and Well-Being in Older Adults in Toronto

This paper reports a study of alcohol- and drag-use by older clients in relation to their health and well-being. The sample of 349 persons was drawn from adults aged 60 and over living in senior citizens apartments in Toronto. Interviews were done in several languages. The results indicated that males and those aged 60 to 65 were less happy and healthy, had fewer social supports, and more alcohol-related problems. Drug-related problems were less numerous but occurred equally for both sexes. These results indicate that new alcohol programs are needed for the elderly, and these should focus on males, especially the younger elderly in transition from work to retirement.     

Gender Differences in Drug Use, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Risky Sexual Behavior among Arrested Youths

Data were collected on arrested youths processed at a centralized intake facility, including youths released back to the community and those placed in secure detention. This paper reports the results of a test of a structural model involving newly arrested male and female youths' sexually transmitted diseases (STD) test results, urine analysis results for recent cocaine and marijuana use, and self-reported engaging in risky sexual behavior. The across gender, multiple group model involved: (1) a confirmatory factor analysis of these variables, reflecting a latent variable labeled Risk, (2) a regression of Risk on the youths' age, and (3) an examination of the covariance between Risk and the youths' race and seriousness of arrest charge. Results indicate the youths' STD status, drug use, and reported risky sexual behavior are interrelated phenomena, similarly experienced across gender. Age was the only correlate of Risk status that demonstrated a significant gender group difference. The youths' race and seriousness of arrest charges did not significantly affect Risk, regardless of gender. Research and policy implications of the findings are discussed.     

Alcohol Use among College Students: A Comparison of Athletes and Nonathletes

This study examines alcohol use among college students, focusing on variation in binge drinking based on involvement in athletics. Prior research indicates that college students who participate in athletics are more likely to report binge drinking than are students who are not involved in athletics. However, existing research has not offered an explanation why college athletes are at a greater risk for binge drinking. Using data from the 1999 Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study, a national study examining substance use and other health risk behaviors of college students in the United States, the current research examines social norms as a possible source of the elevated levels of binge drinking among college athletes. Findings indicate that athletes are more likely to report binge drinking, in part, because they view alcohol use as being more normative. The limitations of the study are noted.     

Alcohol Use and Negative Consequences among American College Students in West Germany

Numerous investigations have recently focused on the prevalence and causes of problem drinking among American college students. The present study examined alcohol consumption and negative consequences due to drinking among 216 American college students at an American university in West Germany. American students in Germany reported a substantially higher frequency and amount of drinking, along with higher rates of negative consequences as compared to their stateside peers. The data are discussed in terms of the relationship between the American collegiate life-style of alcohol abuse and life in an alcohol-permissive society. Recommendations for changing the collegiate norm of alcohol abuse are presented.