Consumption of psychoactive substances and energy drinks among students of the University of Novi Sad

Aim To determine the extent of illegal psychoactive substances (PAS) and energy drinks consumption among students in Novi Sad.Method This research was conducted among students of the University of Novi Sad in the period from October 2010 until April 2011. The study involved 800 students from the first and final study years (age from 20 to 24, both sexes were equally represented. A special questionnaire was designed for this study. Statistical analysis was performed in Statistical Package for the Social Science 17.0, and p<0.05 was statistically significant.Results Contact with an illegal PAS had 143 (17.9%) of students, 100 (12.5%) males and 43 (5.4%) females (p<0.05). Male students most often 18 (21.4%) had the first contact with PAS at 16. The same percentage 6 (15%) of female students had first contact at the age of 16, 17 and 21. Psychoactive substances are being used several times a week by 9 (11%) of students. Most frequently used are marijuana, in 132 (16.5%) cases, combination of pills and alcohol in 45 (5.53%) and cocaine in 20 (2.5%) cases. Energy drinks occasionally use, in 464 (58%) of males, while in 142 (17.7%) drink them several times a month.Conclusion These results indicate the necessity of primary prevention and organization, comprehensive and preventive activities at adolescents.