369 Causes and Effects of Drug Abuse Amoug Secondary School Adolescents in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State Nigeria

Thursday, April 26, 2012
Abay Poster Exhibition and Hall (Millennium Hall)
Ifeoma J. Oriahi, MBBS, WACP Department of Community Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State., Nigeria
Moses Ajekweneh Institute of Education, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Edo State , Nigeria
christiana.I Oriahi Institute of Education, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. Edo State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT

 

Background:

Drug abuse although regarded as a personality disorder, may also be seen as a worldwide epidemic with evolutionary genetic, physiological and environmental influences controlling and affecting human behaviour. 

Globally, the use of drugs has reached all time highs. This study was aimed at investigating the causes and effects of drug abuse among secondary school adolescent students in Esan West local Government area in Edo state. 

Methodology:

The study was carried out using the cross-sectional descriptive survey design among senior secondary school adolescents in public schools. The population of this study comprised of 2500 students, sample size was achieved using the simple random sampling technique from 5 public secondary schools of 30 students each, having a sample size of 150.

Responses were elicited using a structured self-administered questionnaire on knowledge, causes and effects of drug abuse. Data collected were analyzed using the chi-square(X2) method (p<0.05).

Results:

The mean age of respondents was 16years. Results revealed majority of adolescent students were influenced by peer group (51.3%) on the use of drugs and (48.6%) were influenced by parents.

A wide margin also showed environmental factors and communities having an influence and effect on adolescent behaviour on drug abuse where there was a statistical difference between adolescent students in urban (58.6%) and rural (41.3%) communities.

Male students constituted (70%) of the study as compared to females (30%) however, gender did not significantly show differences in the use and cause of drug abuse. There was no significant difference between the influence of drug abuse of students whose parents are addicted to drugs and students whose parents are not addicted.

Conclusion:

Since majority of drug abuse among youths start in schools, the school population is the best place for early detection and prevention.    

Key Words:

DRUG ABUSE, SECONDARY SCHOOL, ADOLESCENTS, PREVENTION, REHABILITATION



Learning Objectives: 1.identify the causes and effects of drug abuse amoug adolescents 2.compare the influences of communities in the cause of drug abuse. 3.attitude of gender towards drug abuse in adolescents.
See more of: Poster Session: Forums for Public Health In Africa
See more of: Forums for Public Health In Africa
<< Previous Abstract | Next Abstract >>