Drug use Prevalence among College Students of Ministry of Sceince, Research and Technology, Iran (2012)

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of drug use among College Students of Ministry of Sceince, Research and Technology in Iran. Seven thousands, three hundred and thirty student in academic year 2011-2012 were selected by random stratified sampling method from thirty Universities In Iran, considering their sex and level of education. We used Drug Use Prevalence Questionnaire (Taremian, Bolhari and peyravi, 2007) which were modified according to objectives of this study. The most prevalent drug of abuse in life time period was Qalyan (classical pipe), 28.7%, followed by cigarette, 20.4%, and alcohol, 11.9% and Trayak (Opium)(3.1%). Among the llicit drugs, the most prevalent drug are codeine substances (19.8%), Diazepam(3.6%), Fluxetine(1.9%), and Tramadol (4.2%).Use of different substances was significantly more prevalent in male students. There are five independent (predictor) variables which predict using most of drugs. These includes aggression (100% of drugs), using drugs among close friends (more than 77% of drugs), belief in using drugs among students and positive personal attitudes to drugs(each 69% of drugs) emotion seeking (61% of drugs). These variables are the strongest in predicting use of different drugs. Using soft drugs (Qalyan, cigarette and alcohol) was more prevalent than hard drugs (Hashish, taryak, heroine Kerack) among Iranian students. Similar to drug use pattern in society, use of all drugs were more prevalent in male students. We should pay special attention to use of drugs such as Codeine, Diazepam, Fluxetine and Tramadol. Based on our findings, it is reasonable to emphasize on these prevention plans in counseling offices of universities: 1- Attitudes correction of students and disseminating true facts. 2- Considering stress and anger management programs. 3- Empowering students associations and stressing positive role of peers 4- considering the unique role of families it seems is is so important to empower the relationship of universities and students families.