@article{ref1,
title="Substance use as a strong predictor of poor academic achievement among university students",
journal="Psychiatry journal",
year="2017",
author="Mekonen, Tesfa and Fekadu, Wubalem and Mekonnen, Tefera Chane and Workie, Shimelash Bitew",
volume="2017",
number="",
pages="e7517450-e7517450",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Substance use is a growing concern globally and its association with students' academic performance is not well studied. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and khat) and its association with academic performance among university students. <br><br>METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted among Wolaita Sodo University students. A total of 747 students were selected by using cluster sampling technique. Data were collected by pretested self-administered questionnaire and examined using descriptive statistics and linear regression with 95% confidence intervals. Variables with p value of less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. <br><br>RESULT: Prevalence of substance use (alcohol, tobacco, and khat) was 28.6%. Substance use (current smoking, chewing khat at least weekly, drinking alcohol on a daily basis, and having intimate friend who uses substance) was significantly and negatively associated with students' academic performance. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Substance use among Wolaita Sodo University students was as common as other studies in Sub-Saharan countries and negatively associated with students' academic achievement. The common practice of substance use and its association with poor academic performance demand the universities to have a good control of substance and to implement youth friendly activities.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2314-4327",
doi="10.1155/2017/7517450",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/7517450"
}