Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of substance use in a university-student sample in Turkey

İLHAN İ., YILDIRIM F., Demirbaş H., DOĞAN Y.

International Journal of Public Health, vol.54, no.1, pp.40-44, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 54 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00038-009-7049-1
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Public Health
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.40-44
  • Keywords: Prevalence, Sociodemographic factors, Substance use, University students
  • Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Background: Limited data is available on substance use among university students in Turkey. This study aims to determine the prevalence of substance use among this target group. Methods: A total of 1,720 students were surveyed to assess substance use, and relationships between sociodemographic variables and substance use were assessed using both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Of the recorded student sample, 6.4% reported having used a substance; 2.8 % used one within the past year. Prevalence of cannabis use at least once during life-time was 5.9%. Males living alone, or students with families residing abroad increased the risk of substance use. Conclusion: Preventive interventions for substance use problems should consider factors related with family relations of the youth. © Birkhaeuser 2009.