Assessment of Alcohol and Substance Use among Undergraduates in Selected Private Universities in Southwest Nigeria
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Introduction: The use of alcohol dates back to time immemorial. The use of alcohol and other substances such
as cannabis, nicotine, ecstasy and other amphetamines among students in tertiary institutions is widespread. Use
of alcohol and other substances has negative effects both on its user and the society at large; hence, the urgent
need to identify factors that contribute to the continued use of these drugs
Methodology: 431 students between ages 15 and 25 (n=431, mean=18.7 (+1-2.3 years) were randomly selected
from four private tertiary institutions in Southwest Nigeria. An adapted and validated version of the World Health
Organization (WHO) questionnaire on drug use surveys was employed for data collection. Data collected were
analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Amongst the respondents, cigarette smoking (81%) and alcohol (72%) use had the highest prevalence
followed by use of coffee, energy drinks and kolanut (69%). Past and current use of alcohol occurred more
among the males. There was no significant contribution of parental use (/] = -.145; t = 1.81 3; p>O. 05) and peer
influence (/] = 0. 006; t = 0.164; p>O. 05) on student's use of alcohol, however, age (/] = -. 338; t = 4./40;
p < O. 005) was a strong predictor of students use of alcohol and other substances.
Conclusion: There is need for urgent public health preventive intervention on our campuses. More educational
campaigns on the negative consequences of alcohol and substance use is advocated. The use of alcohol and other
substances poses a grave challenge to the future of our future generations. It should be discouraged by all.
Keywords
BF Psychology