Abstract
Background
Methylphenidate, especially used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, has conquered over university students who seek to improve cognitive performance.
Objective
To investigate knowledge, motivations, perceptions, and profile of non-prescribed use of this drug by students of a Federal University of Minas Gerais.
Method
A structured questionnaire was applied to 696 students of Biochemistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Medicine, and descriptive analysis and associated factors, using logistic regression models.
Results
Of the participants, 96.7% said they knew the medicine and of these, 4.3% use it/used it for reasons not prescribed. The main reason for using it was the cognitive improvement and the university was the main place of use. Most users noticed an increased concentration and 50% reported the occurrence of unwanted effects. There was a greater chance of non-prescribed use among men, over 21 years old, involved in extracurricular activities, and less chance of use among nursing students.
Conclusion
Analysis of different aspects related to the non-prescribed use of Methylphenidate provides a better understanding of the situations experienced by university students and points to health risks related to the search for better academic performance and strategies for dealing with activity overload.
Keywords:
methylphenidate; university; cognition; motivation