Summary of: Tobacco, alcohol and drug use among dental undergraduates at one English university in 1998 and 2008

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol and drug use among dental undergraduates at one English university in 2008, and compare these with prevalence in 1998. Design: Cross-sectional survey using an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Subjects and methods: In 2008 all 384 dental undergraduates at one English university were sent a questionnaire in order to obtain data on the frequency and amount of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and other illicit drugs used before and during their time as a dental undergraduate. The same survey had been conducted on dental undergraduates at the university 10 years earlier. Results: Tobacco smoking was reported by 27% of males and 13.5% of females, a reduction from 1998 (42% of males and 32% of females) being signifi cant among females. 63% of males and 69.5% of females reported drinking alcohol: significantly fewer than in 1998 (82% males and 90% females). Binge drinking was reported by 69.5% of males compared to 56% in 1998. In females 66% binged compared to 58.5% in 1998. The increase in males was signifi cant. 62% of males and 68% of females had never used cannabis compared to 38% in males and 50.5% of females in 1998, a signifi cant reduction. A signifi cant reduction in amphetamine use was reported among both male and female undergraduates in 2008 compared to 1998 and a signifi cant increase in amyl nitrate use was reported by females. Reported illicit drug use was associated with alcohol drinking, and particularly with tobacco use. Conclusion: Dental undergraduates at one English university in 2008 when compared to those in 1998 are reported to be signifi cantly less likely to drink alcohol, use cannabis and amphetamines. If female, they are signifi cantly less likely to smoke tobacco and overestimate the number of units of alcohol they can safely consume in a week, but more likely to use amyl nitrate. If male, those who drink alcohol are signifi cantly less likely to drink at a level of increased risk, but more likely to binge drink. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.