Nonmedical prescription drug use among US college students at a Midwest University: A partial test of Social Learning Theory
Citation:
Peralta, R. L. & Steele, J. L. (2010). Nonmedical prescription drug use among US college students at a Midwest University: A partial test of Social Learning Theory. Substance Use & Misuse, 45(6), 865-887.
Abstract:
We estimate the prevalence of nonmedical prescription drug (NMPD) use and test social learning theory as an explanation for NMPD use based upon data from a large pilot study. Data were collected from 465 college students at a Midwestern university in the USA using a self-administered questionnaire. The sample was predominantly white (88%), 43% were female and the mean age was 22. Most participants (80%) were not members of social fraternities or sororities. A majority of students did not report NMPD use: 39.4% of respondents reported lifetime NMPD use, 31% reported past-year use, and 14.4% reported past-month use. Multivariate regression results partially supported social learning theory as an explanation for lifetime NMPD use. Limitations and suggestions for future research are suggested