Citation

Fairman RT, Vu M, Haardörfer R, Windle M, Berg CJ. J. Am. Coll. Health 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2019.1706539

PMID

31944915

Abstract

Objective: To examine prescription stimulant use among college students, particularly use with versus without prescriptions or attention deficit hyperactive disorder (attention-deficit/hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD)) diagnoses. Participants: Data were drawn from a diverse sample of college students from seven colleges/universities in Georgia participating. Methods: Measures assessed ADHD-specific factors, prescription stimulant use, access, motives, side effects, and covariates. Results: Of the 219 students reporting prescription stimulant use (average age 20.72 years, 54.8% female, 82.1% White), 45.7% did not have prescriptions or ADHD diagnoses. Correlates of use without prescriptions/diagnoses included lower parental education, attending private school, not having depression- or anxiety-related diagnoses, and past 30-day marijuana and tobacco use. Those without prescriptions/diagnoses were more likely to use to stay awake longer, to have more enjoyable time, and to party longer; they also reported fewer adverse side effects. Conclusions: Campuses should educate students about ADHD, facilitate screening and treatment, and emphasize adverse consequences of recreational use.

Language: en

Keywords

college students; motives for use; prescription stimulants; stimulants; young adults