Prevalence and correlates of nonmedical use of prescription stimulants among upper secondary school students in Iceland

Abstract

The current study examined the prevalence and correlates of nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) among upper secondary school students in Iceland, given a paucity of research conducted beyond the US and among younger student populations. National, cross-sectional data from N = 10,199 upper secondary school students ages 16–20 (49.9% female), collected as part of the larger survey Youth in Iceland 2018, were analyzed. Results revealed a lifetime NMUPS prevalence of 5.6%. Participants with a history of NMUPS were more likely to be male, report lower grades, inattention problems at school, depressive and anxiety symptoms, lower parental monitoring and support, and a lifetime history of other substance use, compared to participants without NMUPS history. Regression analyses demonstrated that when accounting for covariates, inattention problems at school significantly associated with NMUPS. Consistent with prior studies, these findings suggest inattention problems contribute to NMUPS. Despite limitations, these findings may help inform drug use prevention and intervention policy. Longitudinal research is needed to examine directional relationships.

Keywords:

• nonmedical use of prescription stimulants
• attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• upper secondary school students
• substance use
• depression
• anxiety

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Icelandic Centre for Social Research and Analysis for generously sharing the data used in the current study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.