Published Paper Details:

Background: Substance abuse among students, particularly those in healthcare disciplines, is a growing public health concern. Pharmacy students, despite their knowledge of drug safety and adverse effects, remain vulnerable to substance abuse due to academic stress, peer influence, and easy access to medications. This study investigates the prevalence and patterns of substance abuse among pharmacy students and examines associated risk factors. Aim & Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence, patterns, and motivations for substance abuse among pharmacy students. It also seeks to identify the impact of academic pressure and social influences on substance use and explore potential intervention strategies. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Loknete Shri Dada Patil Pharate College of Pharmacy, Pune pharmacy students. A pre-tested, self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic details, substance use patterns, frequency of use, motivations, and side effects. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations between substance use and various factors. Results: Among 200 participants, 29% reported substance use, with alcohol (88%) being the most commonly used substance, followed by tobacco (52%) and marijuana (31%). Substance use was more prevalent among males (p < 0.001) and students aged 20-25 years (p = 0.002). Key motivators included peer pressure (52%), stress (45%), and academic pressure (31%). Significant associations were observed between substance use and adverse effects such as sleep disorders (21%) and nausea (17%). Conclusion: The study highlights a concerning prevalence of substance abuse among pharmacy students, primarily influenced by peer pressure and academic stress. Targeted interventions, including awareness campaigns, counseling services, and institutional policies, are essential to mitigate risks and promote healthier coping mechanisms. Addressing these concerns will help ensure the development of responsible and ethically sound healthcare professionals.