Kathmandu, February 8

Substance abuse is widespread among medical students in the country, according to a study. Most of the students have been found using cocaine, hallucinogens, opiodis, sedatives, cannabis, alcohol and tobacco.

A recent research journal published by Nepal Medical Association shows that substance abuse among medical and dental students is becoming a serious concern.

A survey conducted among undergraduate and post-graduate students of Kantipur Dental College showed that of the total students enrolled in the college, 24.6 per cent smoked and 1.3 per cent had quit smoking.

“Almost all medical doctors and students of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital are involved in substance abuse,” shared Dr Sumit Pandey, president of National Resident Doctor’s Association at TUTH.

Talking to The Himalayan Times, Dr Pandey shared that some of the medical students were social drinker, but majority of them abused substances.

Global Health Professional Survey Nepal-2006 has shown that approximately 40 to 64 per cent  students use tobacco at some stage of their student life and about 17.4 to 23.7 per cent become addicted to tobacco for a long term.

A study conducted by BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences shows that majority of medical students start smoking between 15 and 20 years of age. As per the survey, 50.54 per cent student start smoking between 15 and 20 years of age and 62.7 per cent start smoking between 18 and 20 years of age.