ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Year : 2021 | Volume
: 6 | Issue : 1 | Page : 60--61
Prevalence and determinants of drug abuse among adolescents in Delta State
Ngozi Ali, Onyi Theresa Nwabuzo, Vivian Wareibi Omo-Aghoja, Ure Okeaba, Olive Ogelle, N Odiakosa
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How to cite this article:
Ali N, Nwabuzo OT, Omo-Aghoja VW, Okeaba U, Ogelle O, Odiakosa N. Prevalence and determinants of drug abuse among adolescents in Delta State.J Med Womens Assoc Niger 2021;6:60-61
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How to cite this URL:
Ali N, Nwabuzo OT, Omo-Aghoja VW, Okeaba U, Ogelle O, Odiakosa N. Prevalence and determinants of drug abuse among adolescents in Delta State. J Med Womens Assoc Niger [serial online] 2021 [cited 2023 Sep 26 ];6:60-61
Available from: http://www.jmwan.org/text.asp?2021/6/1/60/319868 |
Full Text
Outline
IntroductionPrevalenceObjectivesMethodsResultsDiscussionConclausion
Introduction
Substance abuse with its associated stigma and negative socio-cultural connotations have been long standing in Nigeria. More recently, the abuse of opioids has taken epidemic proportions in Nigeria.
Drug abuse is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others. It is a form of substance-related disorder.
Criminal or antisocial behaviour occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug. Long term personality changes in individuals may occur in addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm.
Substance abuse with its associated stigma and negative socio-cultural connotations have been long standing in Nigeria. Substance abuse in Nigeria can be attributed to several factors: social factors, financial gains, poor regulatory control, open drug markets, porous borders and sea ports etc.
Prevalence
An estimated 4.7% of people aged 15-64 years (4.6 million people) in Nigeria had used opioids such as Tramadol, Codeine or Morphine for non-medical purposes in the past yearAmong the same population 2.4% (2.4million people) had used cough syrups containing Codeine or Dextromethorphan (male 2.3% cf female 2.5%)
(Source: Drug Use in Nigeria- UNODC 2018)
Objectives
To determine the prevalence of drug abuse amongst the study populationTo identify the common types and route of drug use by young adults in Delta State.To identify factors predisposing young adults to drug abuseTo ascertain respondents views on the perception of drug abusers.
Methods
Study was a questionnaire-based study amongst participants drawn from JSS 1 & 2, SS 1&2 students from public and private secondary schools as well as youth based organizations who participated in an MWAN-organized drug abuse awareness program in the 3 senatorial zones in Delta State.
Results
A total of 396 respondents participated in the study5% of respondents have used drugs at one point or the otherAmongst those that have used drugs, 40% used out of curiosity and 20% used to enhance sexual activities.Most commonly abused drug was tramadol (45%) while oral route is the common rout of drug administrationAll respondents with history of drug use were introduced to its use by friendsMost respondents see drug users as criminals (54.5%) and not victims and are of the opinion that the society is tolerant (216) of drug abusers.
Discussion
Substance abuse in Nigeria has been attributed to several factors including peer influence, poor regulatory control, open market etc. The exact cause of substance abuse is not clear, with the two predominant theories being that it could be genetic or an habit. Available evidence shows that over 5% of the population have abused drugs at one point in the lives. Drugs most commonly abused are alcohol and opiods of which tramadol has highest incidence.
Conclusion
Illicit use of drugs especially by adolescents is becoming has been on the increase. Peer pressure has been identified as one of the major causes of drug abuse especially in Delta state. Society should put in place mechanisms to curb this trend. Government and Non- Governmental organizations should increase awareness campaign on the ills of drug abuse. Proper rehabilitative mechanisms to be put in place to ensure those already addicted are treated and adequately reintegrated into the society.
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