Perception of the problem of tobacco smoking and drug use among Kafr El-Sheikh University students, Egypt

ABSTRACT

Objective

This study aimed to assess perception of the problem of substance use among students of Kafr El-Sheikh University within a social context.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted using a cluster sampling technique from each faculty. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results

The study included 2252 students. More than two-thirds of students strongly disagreed and about one-fifth disagreed with the intake of illicit drugs by other people. Most students agreed that it is impossible or very difficult to self-initiate drug use. Those perceiving easy/very easy self-initiation were 14.3% for cigarette smoking, 9.9% for analgesics and tranquilizers, 6.5% for hashish/bhang, and 5.9% for alcohol. Only 20.4% and 26.2% knew about HIV/AIDS hotline service and voluntary counseling and testing, respectively. Governmental drug use rehabilitation centers were known by 61.6% of participants. Tobacco smoking was admitted by 9.7% of students.

Conclusions

Most students disagreed with intake of illicit drugs with limited rejection of smoking and hashish as well as the trying or occasional use of drugs. Knowledge about services for quitting drug use or HIV/AIDS infection counseling needs improvement. Campaigns against substance use should target university students.

KEYWORDS:

• Attitude
• knowledge
• students
• substance use
• survey

Acknowledgments

The research did not receive any funding.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Available on request form first author. [email protected].

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.