title: Illicit methylphenidate use among Iranian medical students: prevalence and knowledge.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Methylphenidate, a medication prescribed for individuals suffering from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is increasingly being misused by students.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency of methylphenidate use among a group of Iranian medical students and to assess their knowledge of methylphenidate.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anonymous, self-administered questionnaires were completed by all medical students entering the university between 2000 and 2007.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Methylphenidate users' mean knowledge score was higher than that of nonusers (15.83 ± 3.14 vs 13.66 ± 3.10, P = 0.008). Age, gender, and school year were positively correlated with knowledge score (P < 0.05). Data analysis demonstrated that 27 participants (8.7%) had taken methylphenidate at least once in their lifetime. The respondents believed that the most common motive for methylphenidate use among youths was that it aided concentration and therefore ability to study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study indicates a relatively low level of knowledge about methylphenidate among Iranian medical students. More educational programs regarding the use of methylphenidate are required and should be focused on the student suppliers, clinicians, pharmacists, and medical students.
authors.affiliation: Students' Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Afshin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Habibzadeh
authors.forename: Mahasti
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alizadeh
authors.forename: Ayoub
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malek
authors.forename: Leili
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Maghbooli
authors.forename: Mohammadali M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Shoja
authors.forename: Kamyar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ghabili
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate