Second and third year medical students’ self-reported alcohol and substance use, smoking habits and academic performance at a South African medical school

Abstract Background: Health professional students frequently use alcohol and narcotics. The potential impact on academic performance and professional behaviour is concerning. Aim: This study aimed to determine self-reported use of alcohol, illicit substances (e.g. cannabis, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], magic mushroom, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, methamphetamine and heroin), prescription medication and smoking habits, correlating academic performance. Setting: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used. Information was obtained using a self-administered