Alcohol and drugs: third survey on attitudes and use among students at the University of São Paulo Campus São Paulo

Author(s)

Gabriela Arantes Wagner

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina (FM/SBD)
• Defense date: 2011-05-26

Examining board members

Arthur Guerra de Andrade; Heraclito Barbosa de Carvalho; Alice Aparecida da Matta Chasin; Dirce Maria Trevisan Zanetta; Monica Levit Zilberman

• Advisor: Arthur Guerra de Andrade

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Substance use among college students has been reported worldwide by large statistical surveys. In Brazil, regional studies have been conducted with this purpose, similar to the longitudinal survey that has been performed for 13 years among college students from University of São Paulo USP, Brazil. AIMS: The present study aimed to describe the 2009 results and compare them to previous surveys (1996 and 2001) in order to identify substance use trends that could guide the responsible authorities in the development of adequate control strategies. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study with a multistage stratified cluster sample. The instrument was an anonymous self-administered questionnaire that evaluated lifetime, past-year and past-month substance use. SAMPLE: 10.913 students from graduation courses at the different USP campi: University City, Complex Health Center and School of Law. RESULTS: The students from USP have been consuming fewer drugs (1996 and 2009), with a special decreased use of inhalants and increased use of amphetamines in all periods evaluated. Human Science students consume drugs more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey are consistent with the trends observed in North America. Alcohol and esctasy use definitely deserve more attention within this population and further studies in this area are indeed necessary (AU)