Medical students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to substance use in Lebanon: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

The study aims were to explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of Lebanese medical students related to substance use and to determine prevalence and psychosocial predictors. A cross-sectional survey of 231 medical students (48.6% male; 53.1% preclinical, 46.9% clinical) was conducted during June 2012–July 2013. The questionnaire addressed knowledge and attitudes about substance use, religiosity, depression, anxiety and demographic characteristics. The knowledge score was 52.7% (standard deviation 14.4%), and was significantly lower in 2nd year students (48.53%) than in 3rd and 4th year students (57.5% and 57.4%) (P < 0.05). Students reported more training in drug abuse than alcohol abuse (38.2% vs. 34.4%). One-fourth reported smoking, 57.7% using alcohol and 46.8% using drugs. Significant predictors of lower substance use included intrinsic religiosity and interest in working in the field. The findings reveal inadequate knowledge and considerable substance use in Lebanese medical students. Therefore, training in substance use and counseling of students are necessary. © 2017, World Health Organization. All rights reserved.