Abstract

BARON, Laura et al. The prevalence and factors associated with amphetamines use by medical students from the Universidad de Manizales (Colombia), 2010. rev.fac.med. [online]. 2011, vol.59, n.3, pp.201-214. ISSN 0120-0011.

Background. A prior study carried out in the Universidad de Manizales measured amphetamine consumption aimed at improving academic performance and revealed that 42.3% of medical students consumed amphetamines for such purpose. Objective. Confirming the aforementioned result and investigating the factors associated with these students consuming amphetamines. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out, involving medical students from the Universidad de Manizales. The population consisted of 615 students who participated in probabilistic sampling, leading to 234 students being selected. An anonymous survey was used, leading to stimulant consumption and associated risk factors being identified. Results. 51.9% (44.9%-58.95 95%CI) of the sample stated that they had taken amphetamines to improve their academic performance; 70.9% of them mentioned having achieved their objective. No relationship was found with classical risk factors such as anxiety, depression or family functionality. 87.9% of the students had not taken stimulants prior to entering the faculty. Students from the 6^th, 7^th, 8^th and 9^th semesters had the highest consumption indices: 73.3%, 60%, 68.8% and 57.7% respectively. The reasons for taking amphetamines included academic motives (32.5%) and staying awake (18.7%); 65.8% drank alcohol. Conclusions. The number of medical students from the Universidad de Manizales taking amphetamines to improve their academic performance is really alarming. Intervention is necessary and solutions must be proposed to have a positive impact on consumption indices.

Keywords : Amphetamine; methylphenidate; dependency; underachievement (MeSH).

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