Psychoactive substance use among first-year students in a Botswana University: pattern and demographic correlates

Abstract

BackgroundSubstance use amongst university students is a recognized problem worldwide. Few studies have been carried out in this group in Botswana. These studies have been mostly limited to the use of alcohol and tobacco. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the pattern of general substance use, its association with psychological distress and common socio-demographic factors among first-year undergraduates in a Botswana University.MethodsA total of 401 students were interviewed using a modified W.H.O. student drug use questionnaire and the 12 item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) to assess the pattern of psychoactive substance use and its relationship with psychological distress amongst university students in Botswana.ResultsAlcohol was the most (31.9%) commonly used psychoactive substance. Age of debut for most psychoactive substances was between the ages of 15–18 years. Current use of alcohol (p = 0.045), amphetamine-type stimulants (p = 0.004) and benzodiazepines (p = 0.021) were associated with significant psychological distress. A positive relationship was observed between low participation in religious activities and substance use (OR = 4.63, 95%CI: 2.03–10.51), while a negative association was observed between not having a friend who uses drugs and substance use (OR = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.19–0.99).ConclusionsThere is a significant substance abuse problem in the undergraduate population in Botswana. Our findings followed the global trend, with alcohol being the most commonly used substance. Religious participation demonstrates potential to be one of the solutions to this problem, but how to harness its seemingly protective influences is a field for further study.

Alcohol use among Nigerian university students: prevalence, correlates and frequency of use

“…A similar explanation could be applied to the higher prevalence of alcohol use recorded among those who infrequently engage in religious rituals. Olashore et al [3] also documented similar findings among university students in Botswana.…”

“…There are several underlying drivers of this social behaviour among students. In addition to socio-demographic factors such as age, gender and socio-economic status of students [3, 16, 32], some scholars have posited that the change in lifestyle behaviour that accompanies tertiary education, as well as the perceived freedom from parental control or supports further heighten this risky behaviour [15, 21, 33]. Other scholars have found an association between harmful alcohol use among students and dysfunctional family settings, as well as the influence of media adverts [6, 19, 34].…”

Cannabis Use Disorder Among First-Year Undergraduate Students in Gaborone, Botswana

“…Cannabis is the most commonly abused illicit drug across all age groups, in Botswana and other countries. [1][2][3] The highest rate has been reported in Western and Central Africa, North America, and Oceania. 1 Cannabis use typically starts in the mid-to-late teens, 2 with the most extensive use in the early twenties, and it declines throughout the late twenties into the early thirties.…”

“…[1][2][3] The highest rate has been reported in Western and Central Africa, North America, and Oceania. 1 Cannabis use typically starts in the mid-to-late teens, 2 with the most extensive use in the early twenties, and it declines throughout the late twenties into the early thirties. 4 While this substance may have some beneficial effects such as improved mental well-being and treatment of chronic pain, it is associated with adverse outcomes, which include psychosis and impaired concentration.…”

Prevalence of Psychoactive Substance Use Among Nigerian Male Commercial Vehicle Drivers Selected from The Three Major Ethnic Groups in Nigeria

“…The lifetime use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco has been noted to be significantly associated with male gender (Akanni and Adayonfo, 2015). A significant substance abuse problem in the undergraduate population in Botswana with alcohol being the most commonly used substance has also been reported (Olashore et al, 2018). The prevalence of psychoactive substances use among middle and high school students in the North Center of Morocco was comparable to the national prevalence.…”