Stimulant use in university students, Is it used or abused?

Abstract

Stimulant is a substance that speeds up the central nervous system (CNS) and are found in different forms.

Objective: To identify if student refer consuming simulants. To Determine the type of stimulant and frequency of consumption in turn if they know of unwanted side effects.

Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional prospective study applied at the National Autonomous University of Honduras in the Valle de Sula (UNAH-VS) during 1 February to 30 June 2013 The information was obtained through a data collection instrument type questionnaire, randomly applied to a total of 1,950 university.

Results: We identified 1510 (77%) students in the sample who reported consuming stimulants at some time of the academic year; with a predominance in females with 824 (55%); the average age group with the highest consumption of stimulants corresponded to those under 25 years with 1435 (95%). The stimulating higher coffee consumption was 876 (58%), followed by energy drinks with 453 (30%). 25% (378) ignores the remaining unwanted side effects and 1132 (75%) having knowledge of the effects yet still consuming.

Conclusions: There is a high rate of college students use stimulants like coffee and/or energy drinks, among others, and they do know of the unwanted side effects and risks for consumption because like the effect and/or because they have an accessible to stay awake longer and/or assets.

Rev. Cient. Esc. Univ. Cienc. Salud, Vol.1(1) 2014: 10-17