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Klein AV, Roediger L, Bendau A, Viohl L, Ernst F, Helbig J, Kühne F, Petzold MB, Betzler F. Problem drinking among university students in Berlin. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022:1-12. [PMID: 35816733 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2080503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Problem-drinking among university students is common and poses serious health-related risks. Therefore, identifying and addressing associated factors is important. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A large cross-sectional online-survey with 12,914 university students from Berlin was conducted from November 2016 to August 2017. Relative-risk- and correlation-analysis was used to identify factors associated with problem-drinking and regular heavy-drinking. Independent t-tests compared impulsivity and personality traits, chi-square-tests compared drinking motives between risk- and non-risk-drinkers. RESULTS Male gender, tobacco-smoking, illegal substance use, impulsivity and various sociodemographic and psychosocial variables were significantly related to problem/heavy-drinking. Extraversion was a risk, conscientiousness and agreeableness were protective factors. Drinking-motives did not differ significantly between risk- and non-risk-drinkers. Generally, the main drinking-motives were to feel elated, relax and social purposes. CONCLUSION The identified markers and related problem behaviors may serve as a tool to enhance the identification of student subgroups at risk for problem/heavy-drinking, and hence improve targeted health-intervention-programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas V Klein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Lukas Roediger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonia Bendau
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Leonard Viohl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felicitas Ernst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonas Helbig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Kühne
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Moritz Bruno Petzold
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Betzler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Regan T, Harris B, McCredie M, Fields S. Positive Urgency, Drinking Preoccupation, and Alcohol Problems in College Students. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:841-847. [PMID: 35232323 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2046093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals high in positive urgency (i.e., impulsiveness stemming from high positive mood) may be more preoccupied with alcohol-related cognitions. Our aim was to examine how positive urgency, drinking preoccupation, and consumption patterns concurrently influence the endorsement of alcohol-related problems. METHOD We sampled 756 students enrolled in a large, public U.S. university, who completed a cross-sectional survey online. Their mean age was 19.6 (SD = 1.72), 71.3% identified as female, and participants largely identified as Caucasian (65.5%) and Hispanic/Latinx (22.1%). Self-report measurements of trait positive urgency and drinking preoccupation and retrospective data of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems were collected. A series of linear regressions tested for a hypothesized indirect effect between variables. RESULTS We discovered an indirect effect in the relationship between positive urgency and alcohol-related problems via drinking preoccupation. A significant conditional effect showed that this relationship was influenced by past 30-day alcohol consumption, with the effect gaining strength as consumption days increased. CONCLUSIONS Students with high positive urgency may be more engrossed with alcohol-related drinking cognitions, leading to negative consequences as their alcohol consumption increases. This potential association can inform tailored intervention plans for college student alcohol control, such as successfully managing intense positive moods and alcohol-related cognitions and triggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Regan
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Bethany Harris
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Morgan McCredie
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Sherecce Fields
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Ismail M, Lee KY, Sutrisno Tanjung A, Ahmad Jelani IA, Abdul Latiff R, Abdul Razak H, Ahmad Shauki NI. The prevalence of psychological distress and its association with coping strategies among medical interns in Malaysia: A national-level cross-sectional study. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2020; 13:e12417. [PMID: 32964660 PMCID: PMC8243927 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of psychological distress is increasing worldwide. Stressful working environments and high expectations in medical practice put doctors at high risk of depression, anxiety, and stress, especially among medical interns. Effective coping strategies may reduce psychological distress in the clinical setting. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and its association with coping strategies among medical interns in Malaysia. METHOD A total of 431 medical interns at 26 Malaysian Ministry of Health hospitals participated in this cross-sectional study in 2017. Self-administered questionnaires consisting of sociodemographic characteristics, items from DASS and BRIEF COPE were used. Descriptive analysis was done followed by further analysis with chi-square and Spearman correlation tests. RESULTS The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression was 29.7%, 39.9%, and 26.2%, with a significantly higher prevalence among female and younger interns. Three-quarters of them (73.1%) applied problem-focused strategies as the main coping mechanism. Emotion-focused coping strategies showed a significant but weak correlation with anxiety and stress whereas avoidance-based coping strategies were significantly correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress. DISCUSSION Medical internship is a highly grueling period. Besides emphasizing clinical competency, internship training should also impart the practice of healthy coping mechanisms. The vulnerable groups of females and younger interns should be taught positive coping skills so that they are empowered to handle any stressors on their personal and professional lives. Optimum psychological wellbeing of the medical interns can improve the overall work performance and quality of care for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munirah Ismail
- Institute for Health ManagementMinistry of HealthShah AlamMalaysia
| | - Kun Yun Lee
- Institute for Health ManagementMinistry of HealthShah AlamMalaysia
| | - Afandy Sutrisno Tanjung
- Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya State Health DepartmentMinistry of HealthKuala LumpurMalaysia
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Martinetti MP, Caughron RL, Berman HL, André J, Sokolowski MBC, Wiley S, Naassila M. The Behavioral Economics of Alcohol Demand in French and American University Students. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:531-544. [PMID: 30730582 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral economic approaches have revealed several characteristics of alcohol demand (e.g., intensity, elasticity, and essential value) in university students; however, these approaches have not yet examined alcohol demand among students outside of the United States. The current study examined alcohol demand among student samples in the United States and France using a hypothetical alcohol purchase task (APT) and a novel APT Choice task, in which nonalcoholic beverages were concurrently available at a fixed low price. METHODS Participants at each site (United States, n = 132; France, n = 132) were asked to complete an Internet-based survey including the APT, APT Choice, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Daily Drinking Questionnaire, and Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised Short Form. Group demand functions were produced for each of the 2 samples in both country-specific and standardized drink units, and the exponential demand equation was fitted to each of the APT and APT Choice demand curves. Slope analyses were performed on the Non-Alcoholic Cross-Price demand to assess substitutability. RESULTS APT data revealed that in both samples, alcohol price and consumption were inversely related and demand measures were significantly associated with other alcohol measures. In addition, the availability of a nonalcoholic alternative reduced alcohol demand in both samples, with evidence of substitutability revealed by increases in cross-price consumption. CONCLUSIONS Low-cost alcohol is associated with increased alcohol consumption in both French and U.S. university students, and concurrent availability of a nonalcoholic beverage within the APT both reduces alcohol demand and demonstrates behavioral economic substitutability. These findings will inform future studies investigating behavioral and environmental factors underlying transcultural differences and specific prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret P Martinetti
- Department of Psychology , The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey.,GRAP , Groupe de Recherche sur l'Alcool et les Pharmacodépendances, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS), INSERM U1247, Université de Picardie - Jules Verne, Amiens Cedex 1, France
| | - Rebecca L Caughron
- Department of Psychology , The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey.,Department of Psychology , West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Hanna L Berman
- Department of Psychology , The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey.,College of Veterinary Medicine (HLB), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Judith André
- GRAP , Groupe de Recherche sur l'Alcool et les Pharmacodépendances, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS), INSERM U1247, Université de Picardie - Jules Verne, Amiens Cedex 1, France
| | - Michel B C Sokolowski
- Department of Psychology , Université de Picardie - Jules Verne, Amiens Cedex 1, France
| | - Shaun Wiley
- Department of Psychology , The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey
| | - Mickaël Naassila
- GRAP , Groupe de Recherche sur l'Alcool et les Pharmacodépendances, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS), INSERM U1247, Université de Picardie - Jules Verne, Amiens Cedex 1, France
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Lac A, Donaldson CD. Validation and psychometric properties of the Alcohol Positive and Negative Affect Schedule: Are drinking emotions distinct from general emotions? PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2018; 32:40-51. [PMID: 29419310 PMCID: PMC5808609 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
People vary in experiences of positive and negative emotions from consuming alcohol, but no validated measurement instrument exclusively devoted to assessing drinking emotions exists in the literature. The current research validated and evaluated the psychometric properties of an alcohol affect scale based on adjectives from the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and tested the extent that emotions incurred from drinking were distinct from general trait-based emotions. Three studies tested independent samples of adult alcohol users. In Study 1 (N = 494), exploratory factor analyses of the Alcohol PANAS revealed that both the 20-item model and the 9-parcel model (represented by similar mood content) supported the 2-factor dimensionality of alcohol positive and negative affect. In Study 2 (N = 302), confirmatory factor analyses corroborated the measurement structure of alcohol positive and negative affect, and both constructs evidenced statistical independence from general positive and negative affect. In Study 3 (N = 452), alcohol positive and negative affect exhibited discriminant, convergent, and criterion validity with established alcohol scales. Incremental validity tests demonstrated that alcohol positive and negative affect uniquely contributed (beyond general positive and negative affect) to alcohol expectancies, use, and problems. Findings support that alcohol emotions are conceptually distinct from trait emotions, and underscore the necessity of an assessment instrument tailored to the former to examine associations with alcohol beliefs and behaviors. The Alcohol PANAS confers theoretical and practical applications to understand the emotional consequences of drinking. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Lac
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
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Persons JE, Robinson JG, Coryell WH, Payne ME, Fiedorowicz JG. Longitudinal study of low serum LDL cholesterol and depressive symptom onset in postmenopause. J Clin Psychiatry 2016; 77:212-20. [PMID: 26930520 PMCID: PMC4906804 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.14m09505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and subsequent depressive symptoms onset in postmenopausal women. We secondarily assessed serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), total cholesterol, and triglycerides. METHOD This population-based prospective cohort study utilizes data from 24,216 women between 50 and 79 years of age who were participants of the Women's Health Initiative, which originally ran from 1993 to 2005 and has since incorporated 2 extension studies, with the most recent culminating in 2015. Fasting lipids were measured for all participants at baseline and for a subset through 6 years of follow-up. Depressive symptoms were characterized using the Burnam 8-item scale for depressive disorders (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression/Diagnostic Interview Schedule short form) at baseline and during follow-up, using a cut point of 0.06 to indicate presence of depressive symptoms. RESULTS The lowest quintile of LDL-c was associated with an increased risk of subsequent depressive symptoms (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.05-1.49, P = .01), and follow-up analyses demonstrated that the elevated risk appeared to be confined to the lowest decile (LDL-c < 100 mg/dL). Further, this elevated risk was moderated by lipid-lowering drug treatment. Elevated risk was demonstrated among those who reported no lipid-lowering medication use (HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.03-1.47, P = .02), but not among those reporting use (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.18-2.29, P = .50). CONCLUSIONS Among postmenopausal women, untreated serum LDL-c below 100 mg/dL was associated with an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. No excess risk was observed in those attaining LDL-c < 100 mg/dL with lipid-lowering therapy. These findings have important implications for risk assessment, treatment considerations, and mechanistic insight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Persons
- The University of Iowa, Department of Epidemiology, 145 N Riverside Dr, Iowa City, IA 52246
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Thompson G, Madigan S, Wentzel K, Dineley B, Lorber S, Shouldice M. Demographic characteristics and needs of the Canadian urban adolescent mother and her child. Paediatr Child Health 2015; 20:72-6. [PMID: 25838779 DOI: 10.1093/pch/20.2.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a paucity of Canadian-based literature on urban adolescent mothers and their children. To inform clinical assessment and interventions and to mitigate the risks that adolescent mothers and their children face, it is essential to understand the characteristics of this high-risk population. METHODS A retrospective review of 116 adolescent mothers attending an urban academic hospital-based outpatient clinic in Canada from 2005 to 2009 was conducted. The following information was collected: demographic characteristics, maternal maltreatment history, substance use, postpartum depression symptoms, and child socioemotional and developmental functioning. RESULTS The mean maternal age was 16.1 years and the mean education level was grade 9. Ninety-nine percent of adolescent mothers were single, 47% had a history of child welfare involvement and 18% had previous involvement with the judicial system. More than one-half of participants reported a history of both maltreatment and substance abuse, and 20% of adolescent mothers scored in the clinical range for postpartum depression. A substantial proportion of children scored in the clinical range for behavioural problems, regulatory difficulties and suspected developmental delays. CONCLUSION The present study serves to illustrate the high-risk nature of urban adolescent mothers. These observations can be used to improve clinical practice for health care providers in community and hospital-based settings working with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheri Madigan
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Ontario; ; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | | | | | | | - Michelle Shouldice
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Ontario; ; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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Pohjola V, Rannanautio L, Kunttu K, Virtanen JI. Dental fear, tobacco use and alcohol use among university students in Finland: a national survey. BMC Oral Health 2014; 14:86. [PMID: 25012119 PMCID: PMC4108271 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6831-14-86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tobacco- and alcohol use are associated with psychological problems. Individuals with high dental fear also more often report other psychological problems than do those with lower level of dental fear. We evaluated the association between dental fear and tobacco- and alcohol use while controlling for age, gender, general mood and feelings in social situations. Methods The data (n = 8514) were collected from all universities in Finland with an electronic inquiry sent to all first-year university students. Dental fear was measured with the question: “How afraid are you of visiting a dentist?” with reply alternatives “Not at all”, “Somewhat” and “Very”. Regularity of tobacco use was determined with the question: “Do you smoke or use snuff?”, with reply alternatives “Not at all”, “Occasionally” and “Daily”. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used for determination of alcohol use; an AUDIT sum score of 8 or more indicated hazardous, harmful or dependent alcohol use. The statistical tests used were Chi-square tests and Multiple logistic regression analyses. Results When controlled for age, gender, alcohol use, general mood and feelings in social situations, those who used tobacco regularly were more likely to have high dental fear than were those who used tobacco occasionally or not at all. When controlled for age, gender, general mood and feelings in social situations, those with hazardous, harmful or dependent alcohol use were more likely to have high dental fear than were those with low-risk of alcohol use, the association between alcohol use and dental fear was not strong. When tobacco use was added into this model, alcohol use was no longer statistically significantly associated with dental fear. Conclusions The findings of this study support the suggestion that some people may have common vulnerability factors linked to tobacco use, alcohol use, and dental fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesa Pohjola
- Department of Community Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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Pengpid S, Peltzer K, Van Der Heever H. Problem Alcohol Use and Associated Factors in a Sample of University Students in South Africa. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2013.10820620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Supa Pengpid
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Madidol University, Salaya, Thailand University of Limpopo, Turfloop/Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Karl Peltzer
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Madidol University, Salaya, Thailand University of Limpopo, Turfloop/Pretoria, South Africa Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
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El Ansari W, Sebena R, Stock C. Do importance of religious faith and healthy lifestyle modify the relationships between depressive symptoms and four indicators of alcohol consumption? A survey of students across seven universities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Subst Use Misuse 2014; 49:211-20. [PMID: 24015685 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2013.824476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We examined the associations between depressive symptoms and four indicators of alcohol consumption (high frequency of drinking, frequency of heavy episodic drinking, problem drinking, and possible alcohol dependence). We also explored whether personal importance of religious faith as well as healthy lifestyle had any modifying roles in these relationships. During 2007-2008, 3,220 students at seven UK universities completed a questionnaire containing questions on CAGE, frequency alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking, modified Beck-Depression Inventory, physical activity and sleep, and importance of religious faith. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed separately for four alcohol consumption indicators, stratified by gender. Controlling for demographic variables, depressive symptoms were positively associated with problem drinking and possible alcohol dependence for both genders. Religiosity was negatively associated with frequency of drinking and heavy episodic drinking among both genders, while healthy lifestyle was not associated with any of the four measures of alcohol consumption among both genders. No evidence suggested that either religiosity or healthy lifestyle modified the relationships between depressive symptoms and any of the four measures of alcohol consumption. This study shows a link between hazardous drinking and mental ill health and suggests religiosity as a protective factor for high alcohol consumption. Promotion of students' mental and spiritual health could have a preventive role in hazardous drinking at universities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid El Ansari
- 1Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Gloucestershire , Gloucester , United Kingdom
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Coping with job stress by hospital doctors: a comparative study. Wien Med Wochenschr 2012; 162:440-7. [PMID: 23111656 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-012-0144-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently only few studies exists focusing on cross-cultural differences in job stress and stress management. The present study aimed to examine and compare job stress and coping behaviour of Australian and German physicians. METHODS The present study was designed as a cross-sectional comparison using questionnaire data of 310 German and 256 Australian hospital doctors. The questionnaires contained items on demography and self-rated subjective coping strategies. The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Brief COPE Questionnaire were used to analyze national differences in coping behaviour. RESULTS According to the comparison, German physicians perceived higher values of job stress. Coping behaviour differed significantly between the two doctor samples. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated a number of similarities, but also some unexpected differences in Australian and German doctors' job stress and coping strategies. These findings may help direct further research on cross-cultural investigations and health promotion interventions in both countries.
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Mache S, Eickenhorst P, Vitzthum K, Klapp BF, Groneberg DA. Cognitive-enhancing substance use at German universities: frequency, reasons and gender differences. Wien Med Wochenschr 2012; 162:262-71. [PMID: 22707077 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-012-0115-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to give an overview whether German students regularly use stimulants for enhancing their academic performance. Reasons associated with the use of these substances were explored. Moreover, gender differences were analyzed. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study was performed analyzing a random sample of 1,053 students of different fields of study in Germany. Students were asked to complete an anonymous self-administered web-based survey containing questions on cognitive performance-enhancing substance use. We used statistical analyses, e.g. non-parametric tests to evaluate the data of our questionnaire. RESULTS Among 1,053 students, 61 % responded to our questionnaire. The average age was M = 24.58; 635 participants were female and 418 were male students. Total 1-13 % of the participating students have taken prescription stimulants (e.g. modafinil) or illicit drugs (e.g. cannabis) at least once in their lifetime. The most common reasons for taking stimulants were to support concentration, to relax and to increase alertness. We found significant gender differences with regard to frequency and reason for using performance-enhancing substances. CONCLUSIONS Our study results give an overview about the actual situation on frequency and reasons for taking performance-enhancing substances. Departments of Public Health should address this issue in national health debates and discussions. Based on our study findings health education programmes should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Mache
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University, Thielallee 69-73, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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