Prevalence, Types and Predictors of Illicit Substance Use among the Hashemite University Students in Jordan

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of illicit substance use among Hashemite University (HU) students, identify the types of substances frequently used, and identify variables that best predict substance use.Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 835 students studying at HU selected through stratified random sampling using an instrument developed and modified by the researchers.Results: Hundred forty five (17.5 %) of the participants indicated that they used at least one of the illicit substances during their entire life. Alcohol was found to be the most widely used substance among students, followed by Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants. The level of education of parents was found to be the best predictor of illicit substance use and explain for 6.2% of the total variance.Conclusions: This study shed light on the importance of health education programs at schools and universities especially for those students who are vulnerable to substance use. Also, parents, teachers and school administrators are responsible for watching the students and encouraging them to use more effective and adaptive ways for coping than using illicit substances.