A qualitative exploration of perceived causes and solutions for substance abuse among dental students of coastal Karnataka

To recognize the perceived causes of substance abuse among the dental students and to look out for practical solutions. Undergraduate dental students of the second year took part in the study. Qualitative study with the methodology of free listing and pile sorting was implemented to determine, the reasons for the initiation of substance abuse and possible solutions. The acquired data was evaluated using Visual Anthropac software. Major causes of substance abuse among dental students were found to be peer pressure with salience value of (0.653), followed by depression (0.374) and thirdly, to overcome stress (0.327). Other reasons included academic pressure, break-up, living away from parents. Cognitive mapping grouped the piles under headings like inability to handle psychological imbalance, curiosity to experience varied kind of emotions and current mindset of teens in the present era or external influence. Solutions offered by the students were talking to elders, self-control, choosing the right friends circle. Cognitive mapping grouped reported solutions under piles with headings such as interaction with the right people, help from external factors and self help or measures taken by students by their own will and keeping themselves busy. Substance abuse among dental students can cause damage to their health and prevent them from optimally receiving quality training and education, thus impeding them from the quality care of their patients in the future. Interacting with the right people, recreational facilities and limiting the availability of drugs can help curb this menace.