Citation

Ghodse AH, Howse K. Health Trends 1994; 26(3): 85-88.

Affiliation

St George's Hospital Medical School, London.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, H.M. Stationery Office (Great Britain))

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10172220

Abstract

Medical students from 13 medical schools in England, Scotland and Wales were asked about their use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Data from 1,278 students (68% response rate) are presented here. 10% of the respondents were current smokers, 10% ex-smokers. In a typical week 17% of the respondents exceeded the recommended limits for sensible drinking. Other drugs besides tobacco or alcohol had been used by 37% of the respondents. Most of the students who had used drugs had done so on no more than 10 occasions. 9% were current users. Although the majority of medical students neither smoke nor drink heavily nor take drugs, a significant minority either persist in or develop potentially harmful substance use behaviour during their studies. The scope for preventive efforts is considerable.

Language: en