What question did this study set out to answer?

May 15, 2026Scientific Reports0 citationsOpen Access

Prevalence and predictors of natural nootropic supplement use among medical and pharmacy students: a single-institution cross-sectional study

HAHussam N. AlhamadAlfaisal University MAMarwan H. Al-HosainyAlfaisal University FJFouad F. JabriAlfaisal University

Key Points

This research estimates the prevalence of natural nootropic supplement use among medical and pharmacy students and identifies predictors influencing this behavior.
Conducted a cross-sectional online survey among 174 undergraduate medical and pharmacy students at Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia, from March to April 2025.
Used hierarchical logistic regression models to identify independent predictors of natural nootropic supplement use.
Measured self-reported use of supplements excluding routine caffeinated beverages over the previous 30 days.
31% of participants reported current natural nootropic use, with 40.7% using these supplements daily.
Knowing others who used nootropics was the strongest predictor of use (aOR = 4.79; 95% CI: 2.24–10.87).
Higher perceived health risk was associated with lower odds of use, while male gender showed consistently higher use.

Abstract

Natural nootropic supplements are increasingly used by university students seeking cognitive or academic enhancement, yet evidence regarding their prevalence and predictors among Saudi university students remains limited, particularly in private university settings. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of natural nootropic supplement use among medical and pharmacy students and identify associated demographic, academic, social, stress, and belief-related predictors. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among undergraduate medical and pharmacy students at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (March–April 2025). The primary outcome was self-reported use of at least one natural nootropic supplement within the previous 30 days, excluding routine caffeinated beverages (e.g., tea and coffee) and smoking. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to identify independent predictors of use. Among 174 participants, 31% reported current natural nootropic use, with 40.7% using supplements daily and 31.5% weekly. Common supplements included omega-3 fatty acids, creatine, and caffeine-containing formulations. Primary motivations were enhancing focus, reducing fatigue, and general wellness. In multivariable analyses, knowing others who regularly used nootropics was the strongest factor independently associated with use (adjusted odds ratio aOR = 4.79; 95% CI: 2.24–10.87), while higher perceived health risk was associated with lower odds. Male gender was consistently associated with higher use, whereas academic pressure and concern about cognitive decline were not independent predictors. Natural nootropic use was reported by a notable proportion of respondents even when routine caffeine consumption is excluded. Social exposure and risk perception were independently associated with nootropic use, whereas academic stress was not independently associated. While these findings are based on a single-institution, cross-sectional sample, they highlight the potential influence of peer dynamics and perceptions on supplement use. Future targeted education and evidence-based guidance may help promote informed decision-making regarding supplement use.

KI fragen

Bookmark

View Full Paper