SUBSTANCE USE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS AT SPHMMC IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Background: Substance use among college students, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia, poses a significant public health concern. Academic stress, peer pressure, and newfound independence contribute to student vulnerability. Despite this, comprehensive data on substance use and its associated factors among undergraduate medical students at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) in Addis Ababa remains limited, highlighting a critical research gap. Objective: To assess the prevalence of substance use and associated factors among undergraduate medical students at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 397 St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College undergraduate medical students. Data were collected using a pretested self administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26.0, Descriptive statistics and bivariable logistic regression models were employed. The statistically significance of any observed associations between the dependent and independent variables was declared at P < 0.05. Results: Of the 397 participants, 226 (56.9%) were females. The self-reported lifetime prevalence of any substance use was 13.1% (95% CI: 9.8%–16.4%), while the current prevalence (past 3 months) was 9.1% (95% CI: 6.3%–11.9%). Alcohol was the most common current substance (7.1%), followed by khat (3.5%). As the multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that having depressive symptoms (AOR = 8.10; 95% CI: 1.46 44.97), having friends who use substances (AOR = 4.77; 95% CI: 1.70–13.42), and having a positive (risk) attitude towards substance use (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.10–6.25) were significant predictors of substance use among the undergraduate medical students. Conclusion: The prevalence of substances use among undergraduate medical students at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College is significant if not high. Having depressive symptoms, friends who use substances and a positive (risk) attitude towards substance use were found to be predictors of substance use among the study participants. Consequently, Interventions should prioritize the integration of mental health support services with peer-led prevention programs, focusing on students across all academic years to address active use and prevent the progression to high-risk behaviors. Keywords: Substance use, Under graduate, Medical Students, Predictors, Ethiopia