Prevalence of Drug Use to Improve Academic Performance in Health Sciences Students: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

The present study investigates the prevalence and patterns of drug consumption among Health Sciences students at the Inter-American University of Panama (UIP) in order to improve their academic performance. Objective: to be able to determine if there is a prevalence of drug consumption and analyze the relationship between drug consumption and academic performance. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional non-experimental study design was used to collect data through self-administered surveys sent through the Google Forms platform to 1,800 students from various majors at the Faculty of Health Sciences. Results: The results revealed a variable prevalence of drug consumption among the different races, with a trend towards the use of stimulants such as amphetamines, methylphenidates, vitamins, among others. Although a significant proportion of students admitted to having used drugs to improve their academic performance, the majority did not consider this use to be effective. Conclusion: The findings suggest the need to address this problem from a comprehensive perspective that considers the biological, psychological, social and educational aspects of drug use among university students.