ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Drug abuse is a complex and multifaceted societal issue that involves the harmful use of substances, leading to detrimental physical, mental, and social consequences. Drug abuse has severe health implications, affecting both the physical and mental well-being of individuals. Cultural norms, biological factors, societal expectations, and peer pressure play significant roles in influencing individuals' involvement in drug abuse. Addressing this complex problem requires a multifaceted approach, integrating prevention, education, treatment, and support to create an environment conducive to recovery. OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge, attitude, prevalence, reasons and determinants of drug abuse among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. The study was carried out among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Edo state from December 2022 to December 2023. The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula for descriptive studies. A total of 780 students were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Global Assessment Program on Drug Abuse by UNODC and was pre-tested for validity and reliability. Data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25.0 and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Data was presented using prose, frequency tables, and graphs. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 771 respondents was used for this study with mean age ± SD (22.75 ± 3.1). The majority of respondents 389 (50.5%) aged between 18-22 years. six hundred and eighty-eight (89.3%) were Christians. seven hundred and fifty (97.3%) of the respondents had good knowledge of drug abuse. seven hundred and seventeen (93.0%) of the respondents had xiii positive attitude towards drug abuse. Two hundred and thirty-three (30.2%) of the respondents used drug. The main predictors of drug use were: being in the monogamous family type of medical sciences (OR=0.559, 95% CI=0.353, 0.886, p=0.013), being in faculty of medical sciences (OR=2.458, 95% CI=1.244, 4.857, p=0.010), good knowledge (OR=0.235, CI=0.075, p<0.013), negative attitude (OR=4.487, 95%CI=2.527, 7.965, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a high level of awareness and knowledge of drug abuse among undergraduate students, with internet being the most common source of information. The majority of respondents exhibited positive attitudes towards drug abuse, which is associated with lower rates of risky behaviours. Additionally, most respondents reported never having abused drugs. Factors influencing drug abuse among undergraduates were the type of faculty, type of religion, family structure, monthly allowance, knowledge and attitude towards substance abuse. The school management should increase access to counselling and support services on campuses to assist students struggling with drug abuse issues. KEYWORDS: Drug abuse, Knowledge, Benin City, Undergraduates.
