Social factors in Iranian medical students' drug use

Background: There is an increasing concern about youth drug use in Iran. Aim: This survey investigated the association between variables in social control theory and social learning theory (having a drug-using friend) with students' self-reported drug use. Design: Self-reporting of the use of cigarettes, cannabis, alcohol and opioids (opiate, heroin). Students responded to the question: "If you have ever used the drug, when was the last time?" The dependent (drug-using) and independent variables were examined in an association model. Participants: One hundred and seventy-three Shiraz Paramedical University Students were selected randomly and asked to complete a questionnaire. Finding: Although the model of drug use for each of the drugs was different, their similarities were more than their differences. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between social learning theory variables and drug use. Some of social control theory variables had significant correlation with drug use, such as religious attachment in the use of alcohol - but its association with use of other drugs was indirect. The social control theory was not a better explanation than social learning theory. © 2005 Taylor & Francis