Awareness regarding substances of abuse and related laws among medical students in Pune region

Abstract

Background: Awareness about substance abuse is very less among students. Education on alcohol and drugs for students remains a crucial but under-provided part of the undergraduate medical curriculum. Material and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study done on medical students studying in MBBS medical colleges in the Pune region of Maharashtra State. A google form link of a questionnaire of 25 questions (20 MCQs and 5 True/False questions) was sent to willing participants. After completion of the survey a detailed answer sheet was provided to participants to increase awareness. Results: Exposure to substances of abuse is significantly higher among medical students in contrast to less awareness regarding their effects, complications, and legal implications after their use. Out of 20 MCQs, very few questions have correct responses from more than half participants; similarly out of 5 questions with True/False only three questions got correct responses from majority participants. Conclusion and Recommendations: Efforts should be made to alter the substance abuse favorable environments at medical institutes to discourage these activities. Mentors assigned to the students must make sure that the latter is transparent to them and help them with overcoming their hardships.

Keywords

• awareness
• laws
• medical students
• substance abuse