Alcohol and Drug use among Jaipur Based Engineering Students: A Questionnaire Based Observational Study

Abstract

Background: A growing body of research has focused on the rise in alcohol and drug use by college students. Among college students, heavy alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased likelihood of use of licit and illicit drugs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and frequency of use of tobacco, alcohol, and other illicit drugs use among the engineering students of Jaipur city. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based observational cross-sectional type of study comprising of 449 engineering students from Jaipur city. Data were collected by a questionnaire administered in 2 randomly selected engineering colleges of Jaipur city. A self-administered questionnaire was designed which collected data on year of study, gender, the use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drugs including inhalants among the college students. Results: Nearly, 23% of the students reported smoking of tobacco. About 34% and 20.48% reported sensible and binge level of alcohol drinking, respectively. The percentage of students who used ecstasy, lysergic acid diethylamide, and cocaine were nearly 1% each. Conclusion: Nearly one-third of all students were involved in alcohol drinking and nearly one-fourth reported in smoking of tobacco. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the educators to make sure to spread knowledge regarding substances abuse among the college students.