RISK FACTORS OF ILLICIT DRUG USE AMONG THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS OF PESHAWAR, KPK

Objectives:To assess the prevalence of illicit drug use among university students of private and public universities. And also to assess risk factors of illicit drug use. Study Design:Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study was designed to assess the illicit drug use among university students in Peshawar. Study Duration:The duration of study was from Nov 2017-Aril 2018. Ideally presented by grant chart, a sample of which is given below Methods :This was a cross sectional study design, in which data was collected from 600 students of public and private sector universities. The sample had an equal gender proportion i.e 300 males and females. Data was collected through questionnaires. The data was then analyzed for the prevalence of illicit drug use among university students and also the associating risk factors of illicit drug use. Chi square test was performed to find out the association of illicit drug use to various factors such as age, living status, availability, source of drug, frequency of intake etc. Result:According to data analysis 17.3% students of government colleges were using more than one drug while 82.6% were using single drugs. 26.3% students of private colleges were using more than one drug while 73.6% were using single drug. 80% of public sector had abused prescribed drugs. 73.6% of private sector had abused prescribed drugs. 19.2% public sector students knew multiple drug suppliers. 46.9% students revealed that the drug was available within the university premises. Conclusion:Illicit drug use is more prevalent in boarders as compared to day scholars. A good chunk of the students revealed that the drugs most commonly used are cheap. Drugs are more easily available in public sector universities as compared to private ones. There has been a gradual increase in the frequency of drug intake per day in addicts. Illicit drugs had an overall negative effect on the academics of students. A good proportion of the sample believes that parental care plays a key role in preventing their child from indulging into any type of illicit drug use.