College students and use of K2: an emerging drug of abuse in young persons
2011

K2 Use Among College Students

Sample size: 852 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hu Xingdi, Primack Brian A, Barnett Tracey E, Cook Robert L

Primary Institution: University of Florida

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of K2 use among college students and what characteristics are associated with its use?

Conclusion

K2 use among college students is higher than many other monitored drugs, particularly among males and younger students.

Supporting Evidence

  • 8% of college students reported ever using K2.
  • K2 use was more common among males than females.
  • First and second year students were more likely to use K2 than those in their third year or above.
  • Most K2 users also reported using other substances like marijuana and cigarettes.

Takeaway

K2 is a drug that some college students use, and it's more common among boys and younger students.

Methodology

The study surveyed college students about their K2 use and other drug use through electronic mail invitations.

Potential Biases

Non-response bias may have led to a conservative estimate of K2 use, as responses were more likely from higher-achieving students.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to infer causation, and self-reported data may not be fully accurate.

Participant Demographics

The average age was 20.6 years, with 47% female and a racial distribution of 59% White, 17% Hispanic, 8% African American, 13% Asian/Pacific Islander.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.01

Confidence Interval

1.2-3.5

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1747-597X-6-16

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