Factors associated with the use of solvents and cannabis by medical students.
BACKGROUND
The use of alcohol and other drugs among medical students has been a theme of growing interest and concern on the part of researchers, teaching institutions and medical associations since the decade of the 1960's.


OBJECTIVE
Recent use of alcohol, tobacco, tranquillisers, amphetamines, cannabis, organic solvents, and cocaine among 456 medical students was surveyed.


METHODS
Assessment was done by means of a self-report questionnaire according to World Health Organisation guidelines.


RESULTS
Among medical students, after alcohol and tobacco, cannabis and solvents are the most frequently used psychoactive substances. As such, they were the most deeply analysed drugs in this study. Factors associated with the recent use of cannabis and solvents were established by logistic regression. Living with parents or a companion appeared as a protective factor for the use of cannabis. However, being male and regularly participating in the activities at the campus Sports Association showed as risk factors for the use of both cannabis and solvents.


CONCLUSIONS
Concepts and misconceptions concerning protective and risk factors must be discussed in the light of cultural and circumstantial interferences. Harm reduction strategies should be seriously considered.
Di Pietro
Monica C
MC
Addiction Unit-Federal University of Sao Paulo Rua dos Otonis 887 04025-002 São Paulo, Brazil.
Doering-Silveira
Evelyn B
EB
Oliveira
Maria Paula T
MP
Rosa-Oliveira
Leonardo Q
LQ
Da Silveira
Dartiu Xavier
DX
D000328:Adult; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012997:Solvents; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014944:World Health Organization
D012997:Solvents