Background Limited research exists on medical students’ substance use patterns including over-consumption of alcohol. Objective To determine prevalence and correlates of at-risk drinking among a national sample of medical students. Design Cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey. 2710 medical students from 36 U.S. medical schools (1st – 4th year) completed the survey. Included in the instruments was a 10-item scale (AUDIT) to assess at-risk drinking behaviors within the last 12 months. Results Over 15% of the subjects (n= 412) scored positive for at-risk drinking (8≥). Multivariate analysis of the data revealed the following independent predictors were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) for at-risk drinking: being of younger age, male, unmarried, using illicit drugs, smoking tobacco products within the last 30 days, having low perception of risk, showing impulsive behavior, being depressed, and having gambling problems. Conclusions Findings from this study provides initial data for investigating further associations between risky drinking behavior, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors, as well as effectiveness of curriculum or campus wide policy interventions to reduce over-consumption of drinking among this population.

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Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection has been a target for both selective and national screening programmes, and Sweden has an opportunistic approach. A national plan of action states that risk groups should be identified and offered risk reduction counselling. Patients attending a drop-in sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic reception at the University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden, were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms and sexual risk behaviour; all had a CT test taken. A total of 1305 patients were included, 58% men, mean age 27.8 years. CT prevalence was 11%; 51% of those with CT were ≥ 25 years old. Only 5% used a condom during the entire sexual intercourse with their last new/temporary partner. Sexually active inconsistent condom users comprised 62% of the study population and contributed to 81% of the chlamydia infections. Asking whether a condom was used could quickly triage patients into groups with a 'higher risk' (none or inconsistent use of condoms and at least one new/temporary partners), and 'lower risk' (with more consistent condom use, although not always accurate) allowing for individualized care and counselling when screening for chlamydia. Evaluating whether a condom was used throughout the sexual intercourse did not add any useful information.

Purpose of StudyThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risky lifestyle behaviors among a national sample of medical students.DesignCross-sectional anonymous, Web-based survey.Methods Used2,698 medical students from 36 US medical schools (1st-4th year) completed this survey. The instrument included questions regarding smoking, drug use, exercise, body mass index, sexual behavior, and two standardized scales to assess drinking (AUDIT) and gambling (South Oaks Gambling Screen) behaviors.Summary of ResultsMajority of the sample was female (60%) with mean age at 26 years. Based on BMI (≥ 25), 29% were considered overweight adding that 47% exercise 1 hour or less each week. Over 15% (n = 412) were found to have at-risk drinking behaviors (≥ 8). 9% smoked tobacco in the last 7 days and 16% in the last 30 days. Nearly 50% admitted that they have gambled for money while 3.2% scored positive for pathologic gambling (≥ 5). Drug use in the last 12 months included prescription use (79%); sedatives (8.3%); analgesics or prescription painkillers (13.1%); amphetamines (6.0%); cocaine (1.5%); marijuana (14.3%); heroin (0.1%); PCP or other hallucinogen (1.1%); inhalants (0.7%); and others (3.7%). 76% reported sexual activity in the last 6 months, with 10% having 2+ partners; less than 50% used condoms regularly.Conclusions ReachedThe results show mixed differences with some behaviors more prevalent when compared to the general population. These risky behaviors may be associated with the stress of medical school and ineffective interventions currently in place. Further studies should look into possible modifiable covariates that help curb the frequency of some at-risk behaviors. Physicians who have healthier lifestyles are more likely to be positive role models of healthy behaviors. Finding ways to encourage medical students to live healthier lifestyles will prepare them to become physicians with healthy lifestyles, thus becoming better health care providers and promoters.

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