Frequency of the Benzodiazepines and Serotonin-Specific Reuptake Inhibitors Use in Medical Students: A Mixed Method Study

Research has shown that the prevalence of psychiatric drug use in students, especially in developing countries is increasing. Therefore, in this study, we studied the frequency and reasons for the use of benzodiazepines and and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in medical students and their relationship with health indicators. In this consecutive combined study, 160 students were selected by available sampling. Data collection tools included the student demographic information Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ_28), and ASSIST questionnaire. After collecting the data, they were entered into SPSS-20 software and P <0.05 was used to declare association. In the qualitative section, by conducting interviews causes and extent of drug use were explained. After the interviews, MAXQDA software was used for coding and analysis. Findings showed that out of 160 participants in the study, 32 (20%) used benzodiazepines and 44 (27.5%) used SSRIs. Significance was found between students' anxiety status with the use of SSRIs during their lifetime (P = 0.0001). The results of the qualitative section on the causes of drug use in students showed that the elimination of anxiety, drug use following the start of the internship, drug use before comprehensive exams, drug use, the feeling of calm, and the presence of certain areas were the main causes of drug use in students. According to the results of the study, it seems that to prevent the use of drugs and manage students' anxiety and stress during the academic period.