Use of Psycho-Substances Among Health Care Students in A Nigerian University

Winifred Ojieabu; Adebukanla Tijani; Christabel Ojieabu; Lionel Okunye

doi:10.37962/jpps.v10i3.656

Winifred Ojieabu Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, OlabisiOnabanjo University, Sagamu Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria
Adebukanla Tijani Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, OlabisiOnabanjo University, Sagamu Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Christabel Ojieabu Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Science, OlabisiOnabanjo University, Sagamu Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Lionel Okunye Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, OlabisiOnabanjo University, Sagamu Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37962/jpps.v10i3.656

Keywords: Psycho-substances, Use, Students, Institution.

Abstract

Background: Previous literature has reported the growing trend in the usage of psycho-substances globally despite of its adverse consequences.

Objective: A total of 314 medical and pharmacy students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, a state institution, were co-assessed in a bid to found out their level of substance abuse involvement. The study also suggested interventions to stop substance abuse among students.

Methodology: The study data was collected using the substance use questionnaire guidelines issued by the World Health Organization. The data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 for data analysis.

Results: The respondents above 18 years old were 76%, and males and Christians respondents were found to be 58% and 78% respectively. Those that have known psycho-substances were 90% although89% claimed they had no historyof family use. The ever-used psycho-substances by the students listed in decreasing order are alcohol (65%), codeine (63%), caffeine (62%), analgesic (47%) and sleeping drugs (38%). Significant reasons for their use were to remain awake at night (60%), study with improved attention (46%) and pressure from peers (41%). As per the survey findings, 89% respondents were in support of stopping psycho-substance use, while 96% choose health education to be the method of intervention to stop psycho-substance use.

Conclusion: As a matter of urgency, government should be deeply involved with school authorities to bring a stop to this devastating problem in institutions of higher learning and the society at large.