International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI)
Prevalence, Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Psychoactive Substance Use Among Secondary School Students in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.
Published March 28, 2026 • Vol. 13, Issue 3, pp. 539–548Open Access
DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI.2026.1303000048
Abstract
Background: High substance use rates among Nigerian secondary students are exacerbated by limited knowledge of risks, despite proximity to drug cultivation zones like those near Ughelli, Ifon, and Auchi. No prior data exists for Esan West LGA on students' awareness and perceptions.
Aim and objective: To assess the prevalence alongside knowledge levels and attitudes toward psychoactive substances among these students.
Method: 1,060 students from selected schools via multistage sampling completed a modified WHO questionnaire post-consent; data were analyzed with SPSS (p<0.05).
Result: Lifetime prevalence mirrored prior findings (86.8%), with alcohol (41.2%) dominant; knowledge was moderate (65%), but positive attitudes toward "gateway" drugs like alcohol linked to peers (OR=2.5, p<0.01) and low religiosity. Males showed riskier attitudes (χ²=6.2, p=0.01); urban residence correlated with misconceptions (χ²=12.4, p<0.001). Regression confirmed peers/parents as attitude predictors.
Conclusion: Gaps in knowledge fuel permissive attitudes; integrate drug education curricula and peer-led programs.
Aim And Objectives
Aim: To determine prevalence, knowledge, and attitudes toward psychoactive substance use among secondary school students in Esan West LGA, Edo State.
Objectives:
To assess prevalence of use.
To evaluate knowledge of health risks and sources.
To examine attitudes and their sociodemographic links.
Keywords: Mental health
| Journal | International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 2321-2705 |
| Volume / Issue | Volume 13, Issue 3 |
| Pages | 539–548 |
| Publication date | March 28, 2026 |
| DOI | 10.51244/IJRSI.2026.1303000048 |
| Publisher | RSIS International |
| License | Open Access |
How to cite this article
Dr. Eriyo Williams, Dr. Ikemefuna Odegua Shelly, & Dr. Tenibiaje Seun Victor (2026). Prevalence, Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Psychoactive Substance Use Among Secondary School Students in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), 13(3), 539-548. https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2026.1303000048
BibTeX
@article{Dr2026,
title = {Prevalence, Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Psychoactive Substance Use Among Secondary School Students in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.},
author = {Dr. Eriyo Williams and Dr. Ikemefuna Odegua Shelly and Dr. Tenibiaje Seun Victor},
journal = {International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI)},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {539--548},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.51244/IJRSI.2026.1303000048},
publisher = {RSIS International}
}