Alcohol, Tobacco, Caffeine, and Other Drug Use Among Nursing Students in the Tayside Region of Scotland: A Comparison Between First- and Final-Year Students

Abstract

There has been much discussion as to when health professionals begin, or increase, recreational or illicit drug use leading to impairment. A survey of 102 first- and 107 last-year nursing students selected from the Tayside Region of Scotland indicated that 87% had drunk some form of alcohol during the past year with 46% drinking at least once a week. Of all students, 92% used caffeine, 36% tobacco, 15% marijuana and 10% or less used other drugs at least once during the past year. Approximately 31% smoked on a daily basis. There were few significant differences in consumption patterns between first- and last-year students, which is contrary to several other studies of students. Approximately the same percentage of students smoked compared with other recent studies concerning Scottish nursing students. They consumed marijuana and other drugs less frequently compared with nursing students in other studies.