Opinions towards Medical Students’ Self-Care and Substance Use Dilemmas—A Future Concern despite a Positive Generational Effect?

Paul McGurgan (), Katrina Calvert, Elizabeth Nathan, Antonio Celenza and Christine Jorm
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Paul McGurgan: Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
Katrina Calvert: King Edward’s Memorial Hospital, Perth 6008, Australia
Elizabeth Nathan: Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
Antonio Celenza: Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
Christine Jorm: Health and Medical Research Office, Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra 2601, Australia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-12

Abstract: This study examines demographic factors which may influence opinions concerning medical students’ self-care and substance use behaviors as a means of providing insights into how future doctors view these issues compared to Australian doctors and members of the public. We conducted national, multicenter, prospective, on-line cross-sectional surveys using hypothetical scenarios to three cohorts- Australian medical students, medical doctors, and the public. Participants’ responses were compared for the different contextual variables within the scenarios and the participants’ demographic characteristics. In total 2602 medical students, 809 doctors and 503 members of the public participated. Compared with doctors and the public, medical students were least tolerant of alcohol intoxication, and most tolerant of using stimulants to assist with study, and cannabis for anxiety. Doctor respondents more often aligned with the public’s opinions on the acceptability of the medical students’ behaviors. Although opinions are not equivalent to behaviour, Australian students’ views on the acceptability for cannabis to help manage anxiety, and inappropriate use of prescription-only drugs are concerning; these future doctors will be responsible for prescribing drugs and managing patients with substance abuse problems. However, if current Australian medical student’s opinions on alcohol misuse persist, one of the commonest substance addictions amongst doctors may decrease in future.

Keywords: self-care; stress; medical students; doctors; public; drug/alcohol misuse (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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