Use of Cognitive Enhancers among students of Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

Introduction: Nonmedical use of pharmaceutical cognitive enhancers PCE in Universities has been documented in several studies.  However, there is paucity of research on this subject among Nigerian University students. This survey hopes to investigate the awareness,  use and effect of PCE among undergraduate medical students of a Nigerian University.

Materials and method: The study utilized self-administered questionnaire on the awareness and usage of PCE with respondents  composed of 327 medical students at Delta State University, Nigeria.

Results: The respondents have a male to female ratio of 1:0.85 with 99.1% being single. Those living on campus, off campus, family home  and dual accommodation, accounted for 65.4%, 30.6%, 2.8% and 0.3% of the participants. In total, 81.7% of the participants are  aware of PCE usage for academic purpose. Overall, 40.1% of the respondents reported using one or more of the PCE during the period considered. Caffeinated drinks and beverages, energy drinks, cigarette, marijuana, and Ginseng were used by 82.5%, 50.4%, 3.1%, 1.5%  and 1.5% of the users respectively. The motivation for using both caffeinate beverages and energy drinks are for increased study time,  concentration and alertness. The more frequent periods of use are during examination period and personal study time. Most of these  PCE are self-purchased and choice of usage are mainly influenced by friends. Both set of users reported insomnia, headache, palpitation,  dizziness and fatigue as undesirable experience. Among the respondents, 45% are interested in using PCE if there are no undesirable  effects; 30% rejected such, while the rest are indifferent.

Conclusion: Our survey showed significant association between the age, male gender and academic level and the usage of PCE. Our  respondents used mainly caffeinated beverages and energy drink. Their choice of PCE is strongly influenced by peer pressure and the  motivations are mainly to boost studying time, concentration and alertness.