Awareness of factors responsible for, and social implications of, drug abuse among secondary school students in a semi-urban area in Nigeria

Abstract

 Globally, the negative effects of drug abuse have been a public health concern and  Nigeria is not left out. However, studies on awareness of factors responsible for, and  social implications, of drug abuse among students in semi-urban and rural areas is scarce. Therefore, the study aims to seek awareness of secondary school students on factors responsible for drug abuse and the social implications of drug abuse. The study is a cross-sectional survey of secondary school students in two selected secondary schools in Ipetumodu, Osun State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling was employed for selecting the participating schools and convenience sampling for respondents’ selection in the participating schools. Ninetyfour out of one hundred and two selected respondents returned the administered validated semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used for analysing the data obtained. The results revealed stress (61.7%), peer pressure (59.6%), anxiety (57.4%), experimental curiosity (53.2%), and self-esteem boosting (51.1%) garnered the highest positive responses as factors responsible for drug abuse. The drugs of  abuse being readily available (38.3%) had the least positive responses. Students failing exams (85.1%) and students’ work/performance affected (84.0%) garnered the highest positive responses for the social implications of drug abuse. All risk factors for drug abuse received almost the same positive responses (74 – 77%). The students show a near-indistinguishable awareness of the factors responsible for drug abuse. They are well aware of the social implications and risks associated with drug abuse. Poor performance, health risks, and addiction are among the identified implications and risks associated with drug abuse. An educational intervention is recommended for creating awareness of factors responsible for drug abuse.