Substance use among university and college students in Jordan

ABSTRACT

A random survey of 5064 university and community college Jordanian students aged between 18-25 years was conducted in early 2001 to investigate the extent of the impact of common substances of abuse among this population and the subjects' emotional and attitudinal stance toward illicit drugs. Participants completed a questionnaire of 72 questions relating to emotions, behaviors, relationship with family and friends and substance use behavior during the previous month. Results showed the following self-reported substance use 2.5% cannabis; 3.3% sedatives; 0.9% opiates, with the most common method of opiate consumption being burning and inhaling; 2.8% Benzhexol; 2.6% stimulants; 12% alcohol; and 29% tobacco. None of the sample reported using cocaine. Throughout, substance abuse was significantly higher in male students. Some risk factors were identified for substance abuse in the group as seeking acceptance, encouragement by friends, having friends involved in substance abuse and poor communication with the family