UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' PERCEPTION REGARDING DRUG USE AMONG PEERS IN THE ABC REGION OF SAO PAULO, BRAZIL

This study aimed to analyze the relation between university students' perceived norms and actual drug use among their peers. This cross-sectional study was based on a survey. Evaluations involved all second-and third-year students (ages between 18 and 24 years) of the nursing and medicine courses at the Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, located in the city of Santo Andre Brazil. Students were invited to answer a questionnaire that evaluated several variables, including their own drug use and their perception of their peers' drug use. In total, 274 students participated. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and descriptive techniques, including frequencies and means. There was an overestimation of the perception regarding drug use in relation to the actual frequency reported by the students.