TRENDS OF SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS CONSUMPTION AMONGST THE MEDICAL STUDENT POPULATION OF MULTAN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i1.1680Keywords:
Anxiety, benzodiazepine, insomnia, medical studentsAbstract
Background: Medical curriculum has a notoriety of causing work life imbalance and frequent burn outs. To overcome this mental health dilemma the medical students resort to consumption of sedatives. This study aimed to evaluate the tendency of medical students in Multan towards usage of benzodiazepine with emphasis on understanding prevalence rates, drug consumption pattern, and associated socioeconomic factors. Methods: This study was conducted under collaboration of Pharmacology Departments of Nishtar Medical University and Bakhtawar Amin Medical and Dental College, Multan. Data was collected through a modified questionnaire from 400 undergraduate medical students. The sample population was categorized into two groups based on benzodiazepine users and non-users. Data was analysed and interpreted using SPSS-25. Results: On gender comparison female user exhibited a lower odds ratio (OR=1.67, p=0.047). In academic perspective the senior students exhibited varied odds of consumption. Parental with higher literacy level were associated with reduced odds of sedative use (OR=0.48, p=0.035). Individual lifestyle including smoking habits, exercise, and intake of stimulants also displayed significant associations. Students with previous history of drug consumption expressed less intent towards continuation (OR=0.53, p=0.01). Conclusion: The number of female students consuming sedatives was significantly higher than their male counterparts. The progression through academic years significantly correlates with increased sedative consumption particularly peaking in 4th year. Students reporting poor sleep quality were less likely to consume sedatives, a finding that challenges assumptions about the direct relationship between sleep quality and sedative use.
Pak J Physiol 2025;21(5):67?71, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i1.1680
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Copyright (c) 2025 Noaman Ishaq, Nausheen Ata, Hamnah Fatima, Mahwish Gul, Saba Batool, Maryam Saqib
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