Assessment Of Drug Abuse Among Medical Students In Index Medical College, Indore: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Substance use among medical students is an important public-health and professional concern. Medical training places heavy academic and emotional demands on students, and substance use can impair health, professional conduct and future patient care. Recent Indian reviews report substantial prevalence among medical students.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence, patterns and correlates of current substance use among undergraduate and postgraduate students at Index Medical College, Indore.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among consenting undergraduate (MBBS years and interns) and postgraduate students between (dates to be inserted). Sample size was estimated using an assumed prevalence of 40%, 95% confidence interval and 5% absolute precision to yield a sample of ~400 participants. Data were collected using a structured, anonymous self-administered questionnaire adapted from standard substance-use surveys, capturing socio-demographics, lifetime and current (past 6 months) use, types of substances and reasons for use. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests; p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: Of 400 participants (300 undergraduate, 100 postgraduate), overall current substance use prevalence was 36.0% (n=144). Alcohol was the most commonly used substance (reported by 47.2% of current users), followed by smoked tobacco (26.6%), chewable tobacco (9.3%), cannabis (7.9%), and prescription sedatives (3.3%). Use was higher among males and increased with year of training, peaking among interns and postgraduate students. Peer pressure, academic stress and curiosity were the commonest self-reported reasons.

Conclusion: Substance use is common among students at Index Medical College and mirrors national findings. Targeted prevention, routine screening, curricular training in self-care and confidential support/referral services are warranted.