Non-medical prescription stimulant use to improve academic performance among Australian university students: prevalence and correlates of use

BMC Public Health

Jayne Lucke¹  Michael Farrell²  Sharlene Kaye²  Eric Racine³  Bradley Partridge⁴  Matthew Dunn⁵  Cynthia Forlini⁶  Gary Chan⁷  Charmaine Jensen⁷  Wayne Hall⁷ 

[1] Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, Building NR6, La Trobe University;National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales;Pragmatic Health Ethics Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal;Research Development Unit, Caboolture Hospital;School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University;Sydney Health Ethics, University of Sydney;The University of Queensland Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research;

关键词: Prescription stimulants;    Cognitive enhancement, academic performance;    Caffeine;    University students;    Australia;    Prevalence;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12889-018-6212-0

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Some university students consume pharmaceutical stimulants without a medical prescription with the goal of improving their academic performance. The prevalence of this practice has been well documented in the US, but less so in other countries. The potential harms of using prescription stimulants require a better understanding of the prevalence of this practice within Australian universities. Methods An internet survey of 1136 Australian students was conducted in 2015 in three large Australian universities. Students were asked about their personal use of prescription stimulants, attitudes and experiences with prescription stimulants. They were also asked about their use of caffeine, energy drinks and illicit drugs to enhance their academic performance. Results Lifetime self-reported use of stimulant medication to improve academic performance was 6.5, and 4.4% in the past year. Students were far more likely to report using coffee and energy drinks (41.4 and 23.6% respectively, lifetime use) than prescription stimulants to help them study and complete university assessments. Non-medical use of prescription stimulants was strongly associated with a history of illicit drug use. Conclusion The prevalence of nonmedical prescription stimulant use to improve academic performance is low among university students in Australia, especially when compared with their use of coffee and energy drinks.

【 授权许可】

Unknown