AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PREVALENCE AND DETERMINATION OF THE COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS

ABSTRACT

 Background Drug abuse is a chronic, debilitating disease with significant morbidity and mortality that affects individuals and their families. The incidence of drug abuse is a pandemic problem in Nigeria today, and the rate of increase is alarming. Students in various citadels of learning are not left out of this act.  Objectives To assess the prevalence and commonly abused drugs among the undergraduate students of Ugbowo Campus, University of Benin and to identify factors influencing drug abuse among undergraduate students.  Method A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted and a multistage sampling technique was employed to select participants from each of the 14 faculties within the University of Benin. Three hundred and fifty (350) well-structured questionnaires were conveniently administered to students in various faculties and departments within Ugbowo Campus, University of Benin. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 24 to obtain descriptive statistics which was expressed in frequency and percentage.  Results The study showed that 85.4% of respondents abuse drugs. Alcohol (94.3%) consumption being widespread, Codeine (39.1%) and a notable proportion of respondents abused marijuana (37.5%).Enhancement of sexual performance (93.6%), peer pressure (92.3%) and recreation (88.3%) were the commonly reported factors influencing drug abuse. Need for physical energy(65.9%) , To enhance appetite (60.5%) ,To ease stress (58.2%) , To induce asleep (56.2%), Escapism (55.5%), Alertness (54.2%) and curiosity (53.2%) were the least reported factors influencing drug abuse.  Conclusion The study has shown that a large number of undergraduate students abuse drugs. Alcohol, Codeine, and Marijuana being the most commonly abused drugs. Enhancement of sexual performance, peer pressure and recreation were the commonly reported factors influencing drug abuse.