Citation

Choi D, Tolova V, Socha E, Samenow CP. Acad. Psychiatry 2013; 37(3): 191-195.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, American Psychiatric Publishing)

DOI

10.1176/appi.ap.12060126

PMID

23632932

Abstract

OBJECTIVE This study sought to examine how specific substance-use behavior, including nonmedical prescription stimulant (NPS) use, among U.S. medical students correlates with their attitudes and beliefs toward professionalism. METHOD An anonymous survey was distributed to all medical students at a private medical university (46% response rate). Participants were asked to report alcohol and marijuana use patterns, NPS use, stress levels, and history of suicidal ideation. RESULTS Over one-third of medical students reported excessive drinking during the past month, and 5% reported NPS use during the past year. Students who endorsed such behavior were significantly less likely to view it as unprofessional and warranting intervention. A large number of students seemed unfamiliar with how to help a classmate with an NPS use problem. CONCLUSIONS Medical students' substance use behaviors appear to influence attitudes and beliefs toward professional issues regarding substance use.

Language: en