# Demographic and other correlates of non-prescription drug use among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

## TL;DR

This study explores how factors like race, depression, and alcohol use relate to non-prescription drug use among U.S. college students during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific demographic and mental health predictors of non-prescription drug use among college students during the pandemic.

## Key findings

- African American students had nearly three times the odds of non-prescription drug use compared to Caucasian students.
- Students with depressive symptoms were twice as likely to report drug use.
- Alcohol use was a strong predictor, with students drinking monthly having over three times the odds of drug use.

## Abstract

Substance use among college students in the U.S. remains a pressing concern and may have intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased stress, uncertainty, and academic disruptions. This study investigates the relationship between non-prescription drug use and various demographic, mental health, and behavioral factors among college students during the pandemic's early stages.

Data were collected through online and in-person surveys in the summer semester of 2021. Behavioral health was assessed using validated instruments: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression and the Drug Abuse Screening Test-20 (DAST-20) for substance use. Demographic and behavioral variables were gathered via structured surveys through convenience sampling. Bivariate analyses were followed by logistic regression to identify significant predictors of drug use.

Preliminary analysis (n = 576) showed that 71.53% of participants were female, but non-prescription drug use was more commonly reported among male students (20.81%) than female students (13.11%). African American students reported the highest rate of non-prescription drug use (38.16%) among the different races/ethnicities explored for drug use behavior. Most participants were undergraduates (71.48%), and 44.10% identified as first-generation college students. Logistic regression (n = 503) revealed that African American students had nearly three times the odds of drug use compared to Caucasian students (OR = 2.962). Students with depressive symptoms were twice as likely to report drug use (OR = 2.023). Alcohol use was a strong predictor: students drinking two to four times monthly had over three times the odds of drug use compared to non-drinkers (OR = 3.223). Students aged 22–23 had nearly four times the odds compared to those aged 20 (OR = 3.976). However, gender, COVID-19 positivity status, first-generation status, academic classification, and on-campus residence were not significantly associated with drug use (p > 0.05).

This study identifies key demographic and behavioral health correlates of non-prescription drug use during a time of heightened stress. The findings underscore the need for targeted behavioral health interventions in college settings, particularly during public health crises. Understanding these risk factors can inform campus health strategies and support services aimed at reducing substance use and promoting student wellbeing.