Knowledge and attitudes of illicit substances and alcohol among University of Malta students

Abstract

This study investigated the knowledge and attitudes toward illicit substances and alcohol among the students attending the University of Malta. The study attempted to address three research questions: how knowledgeable are University of Malta students about drugs and alcohol and to what extent is their attitude favourable or unfavourable to these substances?; secondly is knowledge about drugs correlated to the attitudes toward drugs? ; thirdly are there gender differences with regard to knowledge and attitudes? Quantitative data was collected by using questionnaires. The sample consisted of 134 students. The results showed that most students had quite a good knowledge about illicit substances. Students seemed least knowledgeable about alcohol and LSD. Generally those who were more knowledgeable tended to have a more favourable attitude toward alcohol and drugs. Furthermore males were more knowledgeable than females. This study is useful in that it complements the many studies carried in Malta about alcohol and drugs using trends among adolescents and young adults. It also has many implications for health promotion organizations