Abstract
Psychoactive substance use among undergraduate students is a growing concern due to its significant health, social, and academic consequences. This study assesses the knowledge and determinants influencing psychoactive substance health effects among undergraduate students in a tertiary institution in Benin City. Using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, Data collection was conducted using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, and analysis was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. The study results indicate that 78% of students are aware of the immediate health risks associated with psychoactive substance use, such as impaired judgment and addiction. However, knowledge about long-term effects—including mental health deterioration (reported by 42%), physical dependency (reported by 35%), and academic decline (reported by 28%)—is less comprehensive. Findings reveal significant determinants associated with substance use, with peer pressure reported by 64% of users, academic stress by 53%, family influence by 31%, and access within social settings by 47%. The prevalence of substance use varied, with 61% of male students and 39% of female students reporting use, indicating that both gender and year of study may influence usage patterns, with higher rates observed among students in advanced academic years. In conclusion, while awareness of some health effects of psychoactive substance use is relatively high, targeted education on longterm consequences is necessary. The study recommends implementing campus-based educational programs focusing on the adverse impacts of substance use, peer counseling services to mitigate peer pressure, and partnerships with mental health services to support students in managing academic stress healthily. Keywords: Knowledge, Health Effects, Determinants, Influencing Psychoactive, Substance use
