The Role of Demographic and Social Factors in the Use of Licit Drugs Among University Students from One University in Kingston

In Jamaica there is a growing concern related to the excessive use of licit drugs among young people. This is due in part to the rapid social changes that have been driven by larger global and local factors.  These factors may predispose young adults to use licit drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.There has been limited research on the role that demographic and social factors play in the use of licit drugs among university students in Jamaica. Socio-demographic factors appear to have less of an influence on the use of alcohol and tobacco than peers, the quality of family relationships, and entertainment practices. The results of this study cannot be generalized to the population of university students in Jamaica.