Opinion and prevalence of use of central nervous system stimulants in open population: results of an electronic survey

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to know the opinion and prevalence of use of central nervous system stimulant drugs (SDs) in healthy people in open population. Methods: An electronic survey was designed with 11 questions to know the frequency of use of SD, and also questions to explore previous knowledge, opinion about the risks associated with its use and about its regulation, etc. The survey was spread by electronic social networks to persons over 18 years old of any gender. Descriptive analysis and a Chi-square test were done to find associations between variables. Results: A total of 526 surveys were conducted, 271 male participants (51.5%) and 249 female (47.3%). The median of age was 22 years old (range 18-83 years). Median scholarship was 12 years (range 6-20 years). About 49.6% were students. About 75% had prior knowledge about stimulants, 13.6% reported prior use, 26% opined these drugs could be dangerous, and 88% opined that they should be regularized. Finally, ages between 18 and 30 years old and scholarship above high school were associated with the use of SD. Conclusion: There was a frequency of 13.6% of SD use. Most of the respondents are worried about its safety and are in favor of their regularization. Being young with high scholarship was associated with SD use.