Off-Label Explorations: Beta Blockers Misuse among University Students in Jordan

Background and purpose. The off-label use of beta-blockers among university students for cognitive enhancement and stressreduction has raised concerns due to potential health risks and implications for educational institutions. This study aims toexplore the prevalence, patterns, and perceptions of the use of beta-blockers among university students in Jordan, and to examinethe associated demographic factors and health outcomes.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jordan, involvingstudents from seven public and private universities. The survey included demographic questions and detailed inquiries about theuse of beta-blockers. A total of 1,248 students participated in the study.Results. Of the participants, 4.29% reported using betablockers,with Propranolol being the most common. Usage was occasional, primarily before stressful academic events. While75.7% of users reported achieving their desired outcomes, there was a significant trend of self-adjusting doses without medicalconsultation. Side effects were reported by 25.6% of users, and a substantial portion relied on informal networks for informationabout beta-blockers.Conclusions. The study underscores a modest but significant engagement in use of beta-blockers amonguniversity students in Jordan for non-medical purposes, primarily driven by academic stress. The findings highlightthe need forincreased awareness of the risks of unsupervised use, the importance of reliable information sources, and alternative stressmanagement strategies. Educational institutions, in collaboration with healthcare providers, should promote healthier copingmechanisms and implement policies to regulate and monitor prescription medication distribution among students, emphasizingthe importance of professional medical advice.