Prevalence, Patterns and Factors Associated with Substance Use among Secondary School Students in Enugu South Local Government Area, Nigeria
Ronald I. Ndupu
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, UNN, Enugu, Nigeria.
Chinero Cordelia Mmamel
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, UNN, Enugu, Nigeria.
Chinemerem Gift Ndubuisi
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, UNN, Enugu, Nigeria.
Neboh Otito Jennifer
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, UNN, Enugu, Nigeria.
Lynda Adaora Nwodo
College of Medicine, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, (ESUT), Enugu, Nigeria.
Seima Victor Godoz
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, UNN, Enugu, Nigeria.
Albert Olisaeloka Ugwoke
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, UNN, Enugu, Nigeria.
Chidera Obinna Okolie
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, UNN, Enugu, Nigeria.
Odera Onyinye Nwoye
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, UNN, Enugu, Nigeria.
Zimuzo Onyinye Onah
College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, UNN, Enugu, Nigeria.
Kelechi Uzodinma Imediegwu *
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Adolescents make up a significant proportion of the Nigerian population. They are especially vulnerable to the exposure and usage of illicit substances/ drugs due to various socio-economic factors.
Objective: This study evaluated the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with substance/drug use among secondary school students in Enugu South Local Government Area in Enugu state, Nigeria.
Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 450 secondary school students who were selected using multistage sampling. Data was collected using a semi-structured, pre-tested, self-administered, questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 27 to determine statistical significance at p< 0.05.
Results: A total of 450 secondary school students in both government and private schools within Enugu south L.G.A. filled and submitted the form with a response rate of 97.8%. In our study, the mean age of respondents was 15.3 ± 1.2 SD years, with females making up a greater percentage (60.7%) of the sample. Lifetime prevalence of substance use was 46.0%. 23.0% of the respondents admitted to using these substances within a period of 12 months, while 14.0% of the respondents did so in a period of 30 days. Palm wine was the most commonly used substance (36.7%), followed by caffeine containing beverages like: Coffee (36.4%), Black bullet (25.3%) and 'Kolanut' (20.2%). 27.3% of the respondents used Cough syrups while 20.0% used beer. Significant statistical associations were made between substance abuse and older age (p=0.002), male gender (p=0.037), class level (p=0.032), higher monthly pocket money (p=0.007), and also lower socioeconomic status (p=0.033).
Conclusion: In Enugu South, substance use is common among secondary school pupils and is influenced by environmental and socio-demographic factors. Health, community and educational interventions and strategies targeting adolescents should be implemented to curtail this fast-growing trend.
Keywords: Adolescents, substance use, prevalence, secondary school students