Religiosity in the non-medical use of prescription medication in college students.

BACKGROUND: The non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) is a hazardous health behavior popular among young adults and college students. Past research has documented prevalence rates and risk factors associated with NMUPD, while little research has addressed protective factors. OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the associations of religiosity and NMUPD in a sample of college students. METHODS: Young adult (ages 18-25) college students (n = 767) completed an anonymous online survey assessing demographic variables, NMUPD, personality factors, perceptions of risk, mental health, and religiosity. RESULTS: Results showed that greater religiosity scores were consistently associated with lower odds of engaging in NMUPD in the past 3 months. These associations were partially mediated by the personality characteristics of conscientiousness and openness to experience as well as perceived risk of NMUPD. The effect of religiosity on NMUPD was moderated by Greek (i.e., fraternity or sorority) membership, such that those in a Greek organization showed no relation between religiosity and NMUPD, while religiosity served as a protective factor for NMUPD among those who did not have Greek membership. CONCLUSION: These results extend past research demonstrating that religiosity is protective against substance abuse/misuse. Greek status appears to negate the protective influence of religiosity on NMUPD.

Health anxiety and the non-medical use of prescription drugs in young adults: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have demonstrated a relation between health anxiety (hypochondriasis) and substance use, but this minimal body of literature has focused on alcohol or illicit drugs. The use of medications without a physician's prescription (i.e., non-medical use of prescription drugs, NMUPD) is increasingly prevalent among young adults. Health anxiety, a tendency to worry excessively about health, is a factor that could contribute to NMUPD, but this has not been examined. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relations among health anxiety, NMUPD, and other psychological variables related to substance use. METHODS: In the present study, young adult college students (N = 758), ages 18-25, completed an anonymous online survey assessing demographics, health anxiety, NMUPD, and other psychological characteristics, including depression and general anxiety. RESULTS: Participants who reported NMUPD had higher scores in health anxiety, as well as more frequent healthcare appointments, and were more likely to report having a chronic health condition. Given that multiple factors influence a decision to engage in NMUPD, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Results suggested that hopelessness, sensation-seeking, and health anxiety were risk factors for NMUPD, and that health anxiety predicted NMUPD over and above these other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Medical professionals and mental health service providers should be aware of the increased risk of NMUPD for patients with health anxiety. Future research on NMUPD should more closely examine the role of health anxiety.