Determinants of Substance Abuse Among High Abusers of Drugs in Ondo State Universities

Abstract

This study examined determinants of substance abuse among high abusers of drugs in Ondo State universities. This study adopted descriptive research design of the case study type. The population of the study includes 51 undergraduate students identified to be high abusers of drugs. The identified students were purposively selected as samples for this study. An inventory on use of drugs was randomly distributed to undergraduate students. The study obtained data through the use of semi-structured questionnaires. The instrument was divided into four (4) sections. In order to ascertain the validity of the instrument, the instrument was presented to two research experts in the field of mental health for face and content validity. To ensure the reliability of this instrument, a test-retest form of reliability was used. Data was coded and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square test established that family background and personal factors influence substance abuse while school management has no influence. The study concluded that the increase in substance abuse among university students in Ondo State is as a result of the orientation of the students from their respective homes and the kind of friends or people the students associate with. It was recommended among others that most of the campaigns against substance abuse should be focused on peer group and family background influence.