ABSTRACT
Introduction: According to the 2009 Global Health Risks report, substance abuse is one of the top 20 factors for death and disability worldwide. Globally, there is an increasing trend for people to use multiple substances, either together or at different times, which is likely to further increase the risks. This study was undertaken to know out the prevalence of substance abuse among male undergraduate students and to find out any influencing factor. Material & Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among male undergraduate students of G.S.V.M Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh in 2015. Data was recorded in a pre-designed and pretested questionnaire and analyzed using standard statistical tools Results: Nearly 40.5% of students accepted substance abuse. Peer pressure (41.97%) and anxiety or stress (37.03%) were the commonest reasons for initiation. Substance abuse by parents was found to be significantly associated with substance abuse by students (P<.001). Conclusion: Substance abuse is prevalent among male medical undergraduates. Peer pressure followed by anxiety or stress were the commonest reasons for initiation. Substance abuse by parents increases the likelihood of substance abuse by students.