Prevalence, Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Psychoactive Substance Use Among Secondary School Students in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.

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.