Abstract
Epidemiological data show that the use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances is higher among university students when compared with the general population and high school students. The use of psychotropic drugs by students in health courses requires special attention, taking into account that they will be responsible for the health education and care of the population. This study investigates the factors that determine current prevalence of psychoactive substances use among health students, analyses the impact of associated risks and assesses the significance of gender on substance use. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from September 20, 2019 to June 15, 2021, in which students from Biological and Health Sciences at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA) were the target population. 514 responses were obtained, of which 502 were considered to fulfil the inclusion criteria. The parameters included recreational use of psychoactive substances, both for lifetime use and for use in the last 3 months; the prevalence of alcohol, cannabis and tobacco was the highest in that order. Only alcohol, cannabis and inhalants showed a percentage of individuals at high risk of developing problems. These results indicate the need for local intervention, in order to prevent risky behaviour, damage to mental health and major consequences for society and academic performance.