Drug use among students of Tanta University: prevalence and correlates

Background: Drug use among university students have major health risks and economic losses. It poses great threat to social, economic, political, and security of societies. Objective: To identify the prevalence of drug use among Tanta University students and some determinants and problems associated with it. Methods: A representative sample of 7445 students from all faculties of Tanta University were recruited to fill in a pre-structured questionnaire sheet including data related to drug use and problems associated with it. Results: The most commonly used substance tranquilizers during lifetime represented 8.4% while hashish was reported by 4.5%, bhang by 1.6% and Tramadol by 3%. Concerning current use, tobacco smoking was reported by 12.1% of males and 0.8% of females with a total prevalence of 4.9%. Concerning the current drug used, the first ranked were tranquilizers (3.3%), followed by hashish (1.9%) then alcohol (1.8%). Theoretical faculties showed higher prevalence of drug use compared to medical and practical ones except for tranquilizers which were significantly higher in medical faculties. Conclusion: Tobacco is the most commonly used substance followed by tranquilizers besides alcohol and cannabis. Male students use drugs more than females. Preventive services should be directed toward university students to combat these phenomena.