Off-Label Explorations: Beta Blockers Misuse among University Students in Jordan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71164/socialmedicine.v18i2.2025.1829Keywords:
propranolol, jordan, university students, beta blockersAbstract
Background and purpose. The off-label use of beta-blockers among university students for cognitive enhancement and stress
reduction has raised concerns due to potential health risks and implications for educational institutions. This study aims to
explore the prevalence, patterns, and perceptions of the use of beta-blockers among university students in Jordan, and to examine
the associated demographic factors and health outcomes.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jordan, involving
students from seven public and private universities. The survey included demographic questions and detailed inquiries about the
use of beta-blockers. A total of 1,248 students participated in the study.Results. Of the participants, 4.29% reported using betablockers,
with Propranolol being the most common. Usage was occasional, primarily before stressful academic events. While
75.7% of users reported achieving their desired outcomes, there was a significant trend of self-adjusting doses without medical
consultation. Side effects were reported by 25.6% of users, and a substantial portion relied on informal networks for information
about beta-blockers.Conclusions. The study underscores a modest but significant engagement in use of beta-blockers among
university students in Jordan for non-medical purposes, primarily driven by academic stress. The findings highlightthe need for
increased awareness of the risks of unsupervised use, the importance of reliable information sources, and alternative stress
management strategies. Educational institutions, in collaboration with healthcare providers, should promote healthier coping
mechanisms and implement policies to regulate and monitor prescription medication distribution among students, emphasizing
the importance of professional medical advice.
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