Prevalence of stimulants among students of the Syrian Private University and its relationship with academic achievement and psychological state

Background : Non-medical use of neuropharmaceuticals generates significant discussions in medical and public health circles. The main motivation for this non-medical use of neuropharmaceuticals is to enhance cognitive function in healthy individuals beyond normal human capacity. Objective: The prevalence of stimulants among Syrian Private University students and its relationship with academic achievement and psychological status. Methods : A cross-sectional study conducted at the Syrian Private University, during the period 12/1/2023 to 7/1/2024. The students' responses, numbering 386 male and female students, were studied through an electronically distributed questionnaire. Results : The sample consisted of 386 students. With an average age of 22.40 years. The percentage of males was 51% compared to females 49%. The financial status was average at 40%. The students of the Faculty of Human Medicine constituted the largest number of students in the sample, reaching 45%. The most common reason for using these stimulants among the students who used them was staying up late and studying during exams and projects, which was 5% of the students. The fourth year was the highest year in terms of stimulant use among the students, with a rate of 4%. The students of the Faculty of Human Medicine were the students who had the highest anxiety score, which was 1.93 compared to the students of the other faculties. Conclusion : The percentage of stimulant use among the students in our study was 8% of the total students. The most frequent motives for using stimulant drugs were reasons related to academic activities. The results of our study differed regarding the students' knowledge of stimulants and their side effects, as only 3% of the students in our study indicated their knowledge of these drugs and their side effects.