Prediction of health status in university students due to drug abuse

Abstract

This article focused on developing an exploratory predictive model on the perception of health status and its relationship with drug abuse among university students. The SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess health status perception (?=0.80) and the Drug Abuse Screening Test to identify drug abuse (?=0.93), which examines the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications in excess of the indications, and any non-medical use of drugs. For example, cannabis, solvents, tranquilizers, barbiturates, cocaine, stimulants, hallucinogens, or narcotics. This study was conducted with a sample of 134 university students under the ethical principles applied in research through informed consent. A significant correlation was found between drug abuse and physical functioning (r=-0.548), physical health (r=-0.457), emotional problems (r=-0.395), and energy/fatigue (r=-.0.344). Impacts on vitality and mental health were observed; more than 70% reported pain and fatigue, as well as social and emotional difficulties. Fifteen percent experienced loss of consciousness associated with drug abuse, and a low percentage perceived their health as excellent. Although problematic abuse was low, the relationship between drug use and deterioration in health perception was significant, highlighting the impact on emotional well-being (?=-.168, p=.024). It was concluded that physical functioning, emotional problems, general health, and emotional well-being are capable of predicting drug abuse.