PREVALENCE OF THE USE OF PSYCHOSTIMULANTS AMONG MEDICINE STUDENTS AT A UNIVERSITY IN THE EXTREME SOUTH OF CATARINA

Authors

  • Paula Rodrigues Felizardo
  • Paulo César Ghislandi
  • Jefte Peper-Nascimento Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense
  • Érica da Silva Sipriano
  • Graziele Fernandes da Rocha
  • Luiza Caroline Netto Zanette
  • Kristian Madeira
  • Mariana Dornelles Frassetto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18616/inova.v15i5.7952

Abstract

Cognitive enhancement can be defined as the amplification or extension of the mind's core capabilities. Psychostimulants, when well indicated in cases of psychiatric illness, help improve the quality of life of patients. However, in cases where there is no medical indication, the use of these drugs can generate numerous negative effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of psychostimulant use among medical students at a University located in the southern region of Santa Catarina. This is a cross-sectional analytical observational study, with primary data collection and a quantitative approach. Academics from the medical course of a University in the south of Santa Catarina who answered the online form sent by the Google Forms platform participated in the research. The collected data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPPS) software version 21.0. A total of 227 medical students participated in the survey, with 68.7% of the participants being female, aged between 17 and 43 years, with an average age of 22.73 years. 83.7% stated that they had already used psychostimulants at some point in their lives, with 75.7% reporting using caffeine, 35.6% taurine, guarana powder 30.8%, methylphenidate 14.5% and tobacco 11 .8%. Only 12.3% reported that they had a prescription for taking drugs. There was no statistically significant difference in the analysis between the sociodemographic profile of students who used and who did not use psychostimulants. Future studies are needed to understand the possible impacts of the exacerbated use of psychostimulants among students.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

2025-10-21

Issue

Section

Saúde e Processos Psicossociais