Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of substance use in a university-student sample in Turkey.

BACKGROUND

Limited data is available on substance use among university students in Turkey. This study aims to determine the prevalence of substance use among this target group.

METHODS

A total of 1,720 students were surveyed to assess substance use, and relationships between sociodemographic variables and substance use were assessed using both univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Of the recorded student sample, 6.4 % reported having used a substance; 2.8 % used one within the past year. Prevalence of cannabis use at least once during life-time was 5.9 %. Males living alone, or students with families residing abroad increased the risk of substance use.

CONCLUSION

Preventive interventions for substance use problems should consider factors related with family relations of the youth.