Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care

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Browsing Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care by browse.metadata.advisor "Davids, Ryan Alroy"

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    The self-reported prevalence of mehylphenidate use by Maste of Medicine (MMed) students registered at a South African university
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04) Louw, Willem Andries Nienaber; Davids, Ryan Alroy; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Anesthesiology and Critical Care.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background. Methylphenidate is mainly used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactive-disorder (ADHD). Its effect of increased attentiveness leads to the potential of off-label use by students for academic enhancement - previously demonstrated in undergraduate students. No publication exists on postgraduate student use of methylphenidate. Objectives. To provide a summary of the self-reported prevalence and correlates of methylphenidate use in Masters of Medicine (MMed) students registered at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences of a South African university. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was collected via a self-administered anonymous online questionnaire distributed by email to 505 registered MMed students. Results. Of the 253 responses (response rate 50.1%) received 71 (28.1%) have used methylphenidate. Only 2.4% have been diagnosed with ADHD. The majority (73.2%) obtained it without a formal medical consultation. Self-prescription (26.8%) and prescription by a colleague without consultation (23.9%) contributed significantly. Academic performance enhancement was the primary motivation for use in 71.8% and 42.3% of users started using methylphenidate while registered as an MMed student. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of gender (p=0.151), age (p=0.288) or year of study (p=0.149). Conclusions. Off-label use of methylphenidate is prevalent in MMed students registered at this South African university. The prevalence is significantly higher than in undergraduate medical students. The non-conventional means of access is of great concern. Efforts should be made to discourage self-prescription, educate students on the dangers of methylphenidate use, promote better access regulation and enhance psychological support.