Knowledge, attitudes, and perception toward new psychoactive substances among Saudi university students: a cross-sectional study - Takeaways - MDSpire

Knowledge, attitudes, and perception toward new psychoactive substances among Saudi university students: a cross-sectional study

  • By

  • Abdullah Al Hamid

  • Abdulrahman A. Alnijadi

  • Lujain Alrubaia

  • Lina Albraik

  • Mousa Alfaifi

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    New psychoactive substances (NPS) are unregulated compounds that mimic the effects of controlled substances, posing health risks, especially to young adults.

  • 2

    A study of 300 King Faisal University students found that 58% had high knowledge levels about NPS, with females showing significantly greater knowledge than males.

  • 3

    Easy access to NPS was reported by 57% of respondents, primarily through online media, and 39.7% admitted to past NPS use.

  • 4

    Predictors of permissive attitudes towards NPS included prior use and easy access, with motivations for use including social gatherings and stress reduction.

  • 5

    The findings highlight the need for educational measures to address the rising threat of NPS among Saudi university students.

Original Source(s)

Knowledge, attitudes, and perception toward new psychoactive substances among Saudi university students: a cross-sectional study

  • by Abdullah Al Hamid, Abdulrahman A. Alnijadi, Lujain Alrubaia, Lina Albraik, Mousa Alfaifi

  • July 8, 2026

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