KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS SUBSTANCE USE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS OF ST.PAUL HOSPITAL MILLENNIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Adolescence and young adulthood are the periods most associated with the onset of substance/drug use world-wide. The youth being the future generation for any community clearly indicates that there is a need for initiatives to be targeted towards young people for the prevention of substance use and abuse. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess Attitude, Practice and SPHMMC students’ knowledge on substance use and the reasons to use substance. The data utilized in this research is primary data which is to be obtained from students who are willing to be part of this research. Methods: Descriptive Cross-sectional study design was used by taking a total sample size of 259. A stratified convenience sampling technique was used. Different statistical analyses was used including frequencies of variables with their percentage. Results: The prevalence of substance use for at least one substance was 42.9%. All students had good knowledge. About 173(66.8%) of the respondents had good attitude whereas 86(33.2%) of them had poor attitude. About 111(42.9%) of the respondents had bad practice of substance use. Stress was perceived as the main cause of using substance by about 233(86.5%) respondents. Conclusion: Substance use is a serious problem among students of St. Paul hospital millennium medical college. Despite their good knowledge students use substance and most students’ excuse to use it was stress. Keywords: Medical students, knowledge, attitude and Practice, Substance use, SPHMMC