SOCIAL DRUG UTILIZATION AMONG UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR UNDERGRADUATES: PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS

Drug abuse is defined by the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence as persistent or sporadic excessive drug use that is unrelated to medical practice. Substances of abuse include controlled drugs under international law and other substances with abuse potential, such as alcohol, khat, tobacco, and volatile substances. Social drug utilization negatively impacts the health and economic development of individuals and the country as a whole, particularly affecting young people, who represent the most productive segment of the population. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and contributing factors of social drug utilization among regular undergraduate students at the University of Gondar, Maraki Campus, during the 2013 academic year. A mixed-method design was employed, emphasizing quantitative data while using qualitative data to support the findings. Data were collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. A cross-sectional study of 682 respondents revealed that 429 students (62.9%) were social drug utilizers, while 253 (37.1%) were non-utilizers. The major contributing factors identified included relaxation (29.1%), performance enhancement (14.7%), and peer pressure (12.4%). Although most students began social drug use before joining campus, peer pressure showed a statistically significant association with drug utilization. The study highlights the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to control and reduce social drug use among university students