Pornography consumption among medical students in Syria: Prevalence, patterns, and predictors

Background: Pornography consumption is a global phenomenon, yet empirical research from the Middle East, particularly Syria, is nonexistent. Medical students may be especially vulnerable due to high stress levels. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and self-perceived effects of pornography consumption among medical students in Syria, addressing a significant geographical and cultural gap in the literature. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 1, 2024, and November 30, 2024, by researchers from Damascus University Faculty of Medicine, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. An anonymous online questionnaire adapted from a validated instrument was distributed to Syrian medical students through official university channels and social media platforms. The final sample included 960 participants. The survey collected data on sociodemographics, consumption patterns, self-perceived addiction, cessation attempts, and effects on mental health, academic performance, and sexual satisfaction. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and binary logistic regression. Results: Lifetime exposure to pornography was reported by 720 participants (74.9%), with a mean age of first exposure of 14.8 ± 3.2 years. Logistic regression revealed that high family income (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI [1.48–3.12]) and having a private room (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI [2.51–4.83]) were significant predictors of lifetime exposure (p