Prevalence of Drug Use among University Students in Pakistan

Author(s):

Muhammad Asif Chuadry*, Mariam Niaz and Sumaira Liaqut

Addiction to drugs is on the rise in Pakistan's educational institutions. Students in schools, colleges, and universities are becoming increasingly addicted to opioids, risking not just their own future but also the lives of those around them, including family and friends. Despite the considerable harm that drug and substance abuse cause in children's physical and mental health; neither the government nor educational institutions have taken meaningful action. To determine the prevalence rates of drug use within universities of Pakistan. The study will also try to provide feasible ideas and actionable suggestions to the government and relevant authorities to aid in the reduction of drug usage among university students. A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of drug use within students of federally chartered universities of Islamabad. A total of 546 students enrolled in selected institutions were requested to complete a specially developed questionnaire. Perceived perception of the respondents was recorded and checked by using the likert scale. Data was entered, tabulated, summered, and analyzed by using SPSS version 21. A total of 490 questionnaires were received from students at targeted universities. The indings revealed that prevalence of drug use within educational institutions was high, and students were getting indulged into this scourge at an alarming rate. It was concluded from the findings of the study that the prevalence of drug use within institutions was high with boys and girls equally involved into this menace and university’s administration and concerning government authorities should take concrete steps to eradicate this menace from its roots.