Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the use of stimulants and complementary medicine (CM)
to enhance mental alertness by Health Sciences students at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
This research was a quantitative-descriptive, survey design study. A total of 400 questionnaires
were distributed to Health Sciences students between the ages of 18-40, who were registered at
UJ for the 2016 academic year. The survey took place at the UJ Doornfontein campus;
participation was voluntary and consent was given by participants prior to filling in the
questionnaire. The questionnaire took approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Data from the
questionnaires was captured by the researcher and analysed using frequencies and column table
analysis. The typical participant was female (74.7%), between the age of 18-20 (49.8%), of
African race (58.3%), and in her first year of study (55.8%). Health concerns for mental alertness
indicated that 84.3% of participants experienced a decrease in concentration or attention and
51% experienced low energy. Use of CM or stimulant-containing products was reported by 64%
of participants. Awareness of any possible negative effects of CM or stimulant-containing
products was reported by 42.0% of participants; while 17.8% were not aware of any possible
negative effects and 40.3% were unsure of any possible negative effects. Participants most
commonly made use of energy drink, caffeine, and vitamins and supplements to enhance their
mental alertness. The outcomes of the study showed that there is a need for further education on
CM and stimulant-containing products for students.