Prevalence of Substance Abuse among Senior Secondary Students in Mainland Local Government, Lagos

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of

psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Use of drugs

among adolescents is a global phenomenon eating deep into the fabrics of our

society. Students are most vulnerable at this transformative stage in their life.

Available report indicates that Nigeria is currently the highest consumer of

cannabis and amphetamine in Africa. What is the prevalence of this abuse by

students?

Methodology: This research was a cross sectional descriptive design to identify

the prevalence of substance abuse among students in public senior secondary

schools in Mainland Local Government, Lagos. A sample size of two hundred

and sixty two was determined and used from randomly selected five out of the nine public schools identified.

Multi stage sampling (including simple random and systematic sampling) and probability proportional to size

methods were usefully employed in scientific selection of 262 samples and subsequent data collection in a

total sample frame of 1,938 students. Self-administered questionnaire consisting of open and close-ended

questions generated using research objectives was used in data collection.

Result: It identified that 19.5% had smoked cigarette once or more in their lifetime. 77.2% had used alcohol

once or more in a life time while 7.7% used marijuana, 8.4% tranquilizers and 1.9% cocaine all in a life time

respectively.

Conclusion: It recommended strict regulation of alcohol and tobacco products import and use in public places

as well as aggressive dissemination of information on the dangers of substance use and abuse.