The Prevalence of Illicit Substance Use Among Students of Medical Sciences in Tehran: Results from Four Repeated Surveys from 2006 to 2009

Abstract

Background Smoking within students community of the medical sciences can negatively impact the attitudesof the society in future. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and trends of smoking amongstudents of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Method This study was conducted in four consecutive years from 2006 to 2009. The study sample was takenfrom the first- to fourth-year, undergraduate and graduate (doctorate) students of Tehran University of MedicalSciences. Census was applied for sampling. Structured questionnaires were distributed to students of each class.The study was anonymous and self-administered. Results From 2006 to 2009, a total of 1568 to 1761 students participated in the study each year. Over thestudy period, i.e. 2006-2009, the prevalence of cigarette smoking was decreased (the overall prevalence was12.5% in 2006, 12.9% in 2007, 10.8% in 2008, and 10.5% in 2009). The corresponding values for the onemonth prevalence were 8.2%, 7.8%, 6.1%, and 5.8%, while those for the prevalence of daily smoking were3.4%, 4.0%, 2.9%, and 1.8%, respectively. The decreasing trend was particularly more significant for femalestudents. ConclusionThe findings suggest that the prevalence of smoking among students of Tehran University ofMedical Sciences was in the lower end of the spectrum, in comparison to other universities in Iran and othercountries. Additionally, similar to the pattern observed in the developed world, this trend was decreasing, particularlyamong girls. Implementing preventive measures for accelerating the decreasing trend, as well as continuousmonitoring is recommended.

Use of amphetamine-type stimulants in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2004-2015: a review

“…There is evidence that the actual number of people who use drugs might be twice the number reported in these types of study (5,25). Although stimulant use in the general population does not seem to be overly high, some studies suggest that stimulants might be quite common among certain population groups, e.g.…”

“…The only study that assessed the trend of stimulant use in university students was a repeated survey from 2006 to 2009 among students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (25). In addition to a direct question to the students on their own drug use, an indirect estimation was also made (Figure 1).…”

Prescription Drugs, Alcohol, and Illicit Substance Use and Their Correlations Among Medical Sciences Students in Iran

“…The students who were randomly selected completed a self-report questionnaire, developed earlier in another study ( 15 ) in the classroom. The questionnaire had been prepared based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Core Questionnaires and WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), taking into account the situation of substance use in Iran.…”

Prevalence of Hookah Smoking and Its Related Factors Among Students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2012 - 2013

“…In addition, the questionnaire inquired about cigarette or hookah smoking, alcohol use, substance use and use of prescription-type drugs in the family members and close friends. The questionnaire was developed earlier in another study (19). More details about items and validity of the questionnaire have been presented elsewhere (17).…”