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Impulsivity, low grades among factors linked with college-age opioid misuse
A survey assessing the behavior of college students has identified several risk factors for prescription opioid misuse in this group, including impulsivity and lower grades.
Published this week in The American Journal on Addictions, the study was based on a survey completed by more than 3,500 students at a public university in the Midwest. It found a 2.2% overall prevalence rate for past-year prescription opioid misuse.
Measuring a variety of demographic and behavioral health factors, the survey found that students misusing prescription opioids were more likely to live off campus, have a lower grade point average, and exhibit increased impulsivity. Individuals misusing prescription opioids also were more likely to report earlier initiation of sexual activity.
The study abstract states, “This study identifies a number of risk factors for those misusing prescription opioids that can be used to develop and refine prescription opioid misuse screening tools for university health centers.”
