Sociocultural Correlates of Substance Use among Medical Students

Abstract

Medical students at four regional medical schools were administered a questionnaire regarding drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, and involvement in sensation-seeking sports and activities. Results of the study indicated that tobacco use was minimal, drug use was moderately low, and alcohol use was extensive. Increased alcohol use was strongly correlated with heavy drinking patterns in parents and male students while decreased drinking was strongly correlated with frequent religious attendance patterns. Students actively using drugs were more likely to have heavy drinking parents and to attend church infrequently. Protestant students and black students were least likely to be involved in drug use. Drug, alcohol, and tobacco use were significantly correlated. Those who use drugs tend to be heavy drinkers and smokers. Preventive education programs can utilize the results in medical school to inform students of potential problem areas based on sociodemographic influences.