Project – The Impact of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services on Substance Abuse Prevention and Health Promotion Among Secondary School Students in Surulere

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Adolescence is a critical stage of human development characterized by significant biological, psychological, emotional, and social transformations. During this period, young people gradually develop independence, establish personal identities, form social relationships, and make decisions that influence their future health and well-being. However, adolescence is also a period of increased vulnerability because young people may experiment with behaviours that expose them to health risks, including substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices, violence, poor dietary habits, and other risky lifestyles. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024), adolescents require targeted health promotion interventions because behaviours developed during this stage often continue into adulthood and significantly influence long-term health outcomes.

Substance abuse among adolescents has become a major global public health concern because of its consequences on physical health, mental health, academic performance, social relationships, and future productivity. Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, prescription drugs, and other illicit substances, which negatively affect an individual’s functioning and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) identifies substance use disorders as serious health conditions associated with dependence, mental health problems, injuries, reduced educational achievement, social problems, and increased risk of premature mortality.

The global burden of substance abuse among young people continues to attract attention from health authorities and international organizations. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC, 2024) reports that adolescents and young adults remain among the groups most vulnerable to drug-related harms due to factors such as peer influence, curiosity, social pressures, availability of substances, and inadequate knowledge about the consequences of drug use. Early initiation into substance use is particularly dangerous because the adolescent brain is still developing, making young people more susceptible to addiction and impaired decision-making (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2020).

In Nigeria, substance abuse among young people has emerged as a serious social and health challenge. Adolescents increasingly encounter substances such as alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, codeine-based medications, tramadol, and other psychoactive substances. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA, 2021) has expressed concern over increasing drug abuse among Nigerian youths and emphasized the need for preventive education, awareness campaigns, counselling services, and community-based interventions. The challenges associated with adolescent substance abuse include poor academic performance, school dropout, risky behaviours, mental health problems, crime, and social instability.

Several factors contribute to substance abuse among adolescents. These include peer pressure, family challenges, inadequate parental monitoring, curiosity, emotional difficulties, academic stress, poverty, social environment, exposure to substance-using peers, and media influence. Bandura’s (1986) Social Cognitive Theory explains that individuals learn behaviours through observation, imitation, reinforcement, and interaction with their social environment. This theory suggests that adolescents may adopt substance-related behaviours when they observe such behaviours among peers, family members, or influential social groups.

Because adolescents spend a significant portion of their lives within educational institutions, schools provide strategic environments for preventing substance abuse and promoting healthy behaviours. Schools do not only transmit academic knowledge; they also influence students’ values, attitudes, decision-making abilities, social skills, and behavioural development. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) emphasizes that schools are important settings for health promotion because they provide access to large populations of young people and allow early identification and prevention of health risks.

The concept of school-based health promotion involves creating learning environments that support students’ physical, emotional, social, and psychological well-being. The WHO and UNESCO (2021) advocate the Health Promoting Schools approach, which encourages schools to integrate health education into curricula, provide supportive counselling services, establish healthy policies, and collaborate with families and communities. This approach recognizes that effective prevention of substance abuse requires comprehensive strategies that address knowledge, attitudes, skills, values, and environmental influences.

One educational subject that can contribute significantly to substance abuse prevention is Christian Religious Studies (CRS). In Nigeria, Christian Religious Studies is included in the secondary school curriculum to promote biblical understanding, moral values, ethical reasoning, responsible citizenship, and character development. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC, 2013) identifies values such as honesty, discipline, respect, love, integrity, responsibility, and peaceful coexistence as important objectives of religious education.

Christian Religious Studies provides moral and ethical foundations that may discourage behaviours associated with substance abuse. Christian teachings emphasize self-control, moderation, responsibility, respect for the body, and avoidance of destructive behaviours. For example, biblical teachings on self-control (Galatians 5:22–23), the body as the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), and responsible living provide moral frameworks that may influence adolescents’ attitudes toward drug and alcohol use.

Religious education contributes to behaviour formation by shaping individuals’ beliefs, values, and understanding of right and wrong. According to Pargament (2013), religious beliefs and spirituality can provide individuals with meaning, coping mechanisms, emotional support, and moral guidance during challenging situations. Among adolescents, positive religious involvement may strengthen resilience, encourage self-discipline, and reduce vulnerability to risky behaviours.

Similarly, Lickona (2004) argues that effective character education develops moral awareness, responsibility, self-control, and ethical decision-making among young people. Since substance abuse often involves poor judgement, lack of self-regulation, and negative peer influence, value-based education can serve as an important preventive strategy by strengthening students’ ability to make responsible choices.

However, moral instruction alone may not adequately address the complex nature of substance abuse among adolescents. While Christian Religious Studies can promote values and ethical awareness, students also require professional guidance, psychological support, and practical skills to manage stress, resist peer pressure, solve problems, and make informed decisions. This highlights the importance of Guidance Services as another essential component of substance abuse prevention.

Guidance and counselling refers to professional educational services designed to assist individuals in understanding themselves, solving personal and social problems, making appropriate decisions, and developing positive behaviours. According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA, 2022), school counsellors support students’ academic, social-emotional, and personal development through preventive programmes, counselling interventions, crisis support, and referral services.

School guidance counsellors play important roles in identifying students at risk of substance abuse and providing early intervention. Through individual counselling, group counselling, awareness programmes, peer education, and life skills training, counsellors help students develop coping mechanisms, improve self-esteem, manage emotions, resist negative peer pressure, and make healthier decisions. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2021) emphasizes that early prevention programmes focusing on resilience, social skills, family support, and positive decision-making are effective strategies for reducing adolescent substance misuse.

Guidance services are particularly important because substance abuse is often linked with underlying emotional and psychological challenges. Some adolescents engage in substance use as a way of coping with anxiety, depression, academic pressure, family conflicts, loneliness, or social difficulties. Therefore, prevention efforts must address not only knowledge about substances but also the emotional and social factors that influence behaviour (Glanz, Rimer, & Viswanath, 2015).

The combination of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services provides a holistic approach to substance abuse prevention and health promotion. While Christian Religious Education strengthens moral values, ethical judgement, self-control, and responsibility, Guidance Services provide professional support, emotional skills, problem-solving abilities, and behavioural interventions. Together, they address both internal factors (values, beliefs, attitudes) and external factors (social support, counselling, school environment) that influence adolescent behaviour.

Health promotion extends beyond the prevention of diseases; it involves empowering individuals to develop behaviours that improve physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. According to Glanz et al. (2015), effective health promotion requires interventions that improve knowledge while also addressing attitudes, beliefs, social influences, and behavioural skills. Therefore, combining moral education and counselling services may provide a stronger foundation for promoting healthy lifestyles among secondary school students.

Surulere, Lagos State, provides a relevant environment for examining the relationship between Christian Religious Education, Guidance Services, substance abuse prevention, and health promotion. As a densely populated urban community, Surulere experiences social dynamics associated with urban living, including peer influence, entertainment culture, media exposure, and changing lifestyles. Adolescents within this environment require effective preventive strategies that promote responsible choices and healthy behaviours.

Despite the importance of Christian Religious Studies and Guidance Services in adolescent development, existing studies have largely examined these areas independently. Studies on Christian Religious Studies have focused mainly on moral development, character formation, and value acquisition, while studies on guidance counselling have concentrated on academic achievement, career development, and behavioural adjustment. Limited empirical research has examined their combined impact on substance abuse prevention and health promotion among secondary school students.

This gap is significant because adolescent substance abuse is a complex behavioural issue influenced by moral values, psychological factors, social relationships, knowledge, and environmental conditions. Understanding the combined contribution of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services may provide valuable evidence for teachers, counsellors, school administrators, policymakers, parents, and health practitioners in developing effective preventive interventions.

Therefore, this study examines the impact of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services on substance abuse prevention and health promotion among secondary school students in Surulere.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Substance abuse among adolescents has become a growing concern in Nigeria because of its negative consequences on students’ physical health, psychological well-being, academic achievement, social relationships, and future productivity. Adolescence is a period characterized by curiosity, experimentation, identity development, and increased influence from peers and social environments. While these experiences are essential aspects of growth, they also expose young people to behaviours that may threaten their health and development. The increasing involvement of young people in the use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, prescription drugs, and other psychoactive substances has raised concerns among parents, schools, religious organizations, government agencies, and public health professionals.

Globally, substance abuse prevention among adolescents remains a major public health priority. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) identifies substance use among young people as a significant contributor to mental health challenges, injuries, risky behaviours, and social difficulties. Similarly, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC, 2024) emphasizes that adolescents require preventive interventions because early exposure to drugs increases the likelihood of dependence, poor decision-making, and long-term health consequences. These realities demonstrate the need for early educational and counselling interventions that equip young people with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to avoid substance misuse.

In Nigeria, the problem of substance abuse among secondary school students has attracted increasing attention due to reported cases of drug experimentation, misuse of prescription medications, alcohol consumption, and involvement in risky behaviours associated with substance use. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA, 2021) has identified Nigerian youths as a vulnerable population requiring urgent preventive measures, including public awareness campaigns, school-based education, counselling services, and community involvement. Despite these efforts, many adolescents continue to experience exposure to substances through peer networks, social environments, and media influences.

The school environment plays a significant role in preventing substance abuse because it provides structured opportunities for educating and supporting adolescents. However, many secondary schools continue to face challenges in implementing effective preventive programmes. Some schools focus mainly on academic achievement while giving limited attention to students’ emotional, moral, psychological, and health-related needs. As a result, students may lack adequate knowledge, coping skills, and support systems necessary to resist substance-related pressures.

Christian Religious Education (CRE) is expected to contribute to the moral and ethical development of students by promoting values such as self-control, discipline, responsibility, integrity, and respect for human dignity. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC, 2013) recognizes moral development and responsible citizenship as important objectives of religious education. However, there is concern that Christian Religious Education in many schools is often treated mainly as an examination subject, with limited emphasis on applying religious values to contemporary challenges such as substance abuse, peer pressure, emotional difficulties, and unhealthy lifestyles.

Although Christian teachings emphasize self-control and responsible living, moral knowledge alone may not always prevent adolescents from engaging in substance abuse. Young people may understand the negative consequences of drug use but still engage in risky behaviours due to peer influence, emotional challenges, stress, curiosity, or lack of effective coping mechanisms. This suggests that value-based education needs to be complemented with professional guidance and counselling services.

Guidance and counselling services are designed to assist students in addressing personal, social, emotional, academic, and behavioural challenges. School counsellors are expected to identify students at risk, provide preventive education, support decision-making, and develop students’ coping skills. According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA, 2022), effective counselling programmes promote students’ social-emotional development and help them acquire skills necessary for responsible choices. However, in many Nigerian secondary schools, counselling services are affected by challenges such as inadequate numbers of trained counsellors, insufficient facilities, poor funding, limited awareness among students, and lack of collaboration between counsellors and other educators.

Another major concern is the limited integration between Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services in addressing substance abuse prevention. Although both areas aim to promote responsible behaviour and personal development, they often operate independently within the school system. Christian Religious Education may provide moral guidance without sufficient attention to psychological and behavioural interventions, while counselling services may provide emotional support without fully utilizing value-based approaches that strengthen personal responsibility. The lack of integration may reduce their overall effectiveness in preventing substance abuse among students.

Furthermore, many existing studies have examined adolescent substance abuse from medical, psychological, or social perspectives, with less attention given to the contribution of educational and religious interventions. While previous research has explored the effectiveness of counselling programmes in reducing behavioural problems and the role of religious education in moral development, limited empirical evidence exists on how Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services jointly influence substance abuse prevention and health promotion among secondary school students.

The situation is particularly relevant in Surulere, Lagos State, where adolescents are exposed to various urban influences, including peer networks, entertainment activities, digital media exposure, and changing social values. These factors may increase students’ vulnerability to substance-related behaviours if adequate preventive structures are not available within schools. Therefore, there is a need to investigate whether existing Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services contribute meaningfully to substance abuse prevention and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among secondary school students in the area.

The absence of adequate empirical evidence on the combined contribution of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services creates a knowledge gap for educational administrators, policymakers, counsellors, teachers, parents, and health professionals. Without a clear understanding of their impact, interventions may continue to address substance abuse prevention from isolated perspectives rather than adopting a comprehensive approach that combines moral education, psychological support, and health promotion.

Therefore, the problem of this study is the limited understanding of how Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services influence substance abuse prevention and health promotion among secondary school students in Surulere. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the extent to which these educational interventions contribute to students’ knowledge, attitudes, decision-making abilities, and responsible health behaviours.

1.3 Aim of the Study

The main aim of this study is to examine the impact of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services on substance abuse prevention and health promotion among secondary school students in Surulere.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of the study are to:

1. examine the influence of Christian Religious Education on substance abuse prevention among secondary school students in Surulere;
2. determine the contribution of Guidance Services to substance abuse prevention among secondary school students;
3. assess the influence of Christian Religious Education on students’ health promotion behaviours;
4. examine the combined impact of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services on substance abuse prevention and health promotion among secondary school students; and
5. identify challenges affecting the effective use of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services in preventing substance abuse among secondary school students.

1.5 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. What influence does Christian Religious Education have on substance abuse prevention among secondary school students in Surulere?
2. What contribution do Guidance Services make to substance abuse prevention among secondary school students?
3. How does Christian Religious Education influence students’ health promotion behaviours?
4. What is the combined impact of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services on substance abuse prevention and health promotion among secondary school students?
5. What challenges affect the effectiveness of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services in preventing substance abuse among secondary school students?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will be tested at the 0.05 level of significance:

H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services and substance abuse prevention and health promotion among secondary school students in Surulere.

1.7 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be significant to students, Christian Religious Education teachers, guidance counsellors, school administrators, parents, policymakers, health professionals, religious organizations, curriculum developers, and future researchers. The study will provide empirical evidence on the impact of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services in preventing substance abuse and promoting healthy behaviours among secondary school students in Surulere.

The study will be particularly beneficial to secondary school students because it will increase awareness of the dangers associated with substance abuse and the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles. Through understanding the roles of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services, students may develop stronger moral values, better decision-making skills, improved resistance to peer pressure, and greater awareness of the consequences of drug and substance misuse. The findings may encourage students to seek counselling support when experiencing emotional, academic, or social challenges that could increase vulnerability to substance abuse.

The findings will also benefit Christian Religious Education teachers by highlighting the importance of applying religious teachings to contemporary social and health challenges affecting adolescents. The study may encourage CRS teachers to emphasize practical applications of Christian values such as self-control, discipline, responsibility, respect for the body, and wise decision-making in addressing substance abuse-related issues. This may improve the relevance of Christian Religious Education beyond academic knowledge by positioning it as a tool for character development and health promotion.

The study will be useful to guidance counsellors because it will provide evidence on the importance of counselling interventions in preventing substance abuse among students. The findings may assist counsellors in designing effective preventive programmes that address peer pressure, emotional difficulties, stress management, self-esteem development, decision-making skills, and responsible behaviour. It may also encourage counsellors to strengthen collaboration with teachers, parents, health workers, and religious educators in supporting students’ overall well-being.

The study will benefit school administrators by providing information that may guide the development of comprehensive school-based substance abuse prevention and health promotion programmes. Administrators may use the findings to strengthen counselling units, support student welfare initiatives, organize awareness programmes, and create school environments that promote healthy behaviours. The study may also encourage schools to integrate moral education, counselling services, and health promotion activities as complementary approaches to student development.

For parents and guardians, the study will provide greater understanding of the importance of family involvement, moral guidance, communication, and emotional support in preventing adolescent substance abuse. Parents may become more aware of the risk factors associated with substance use and the need to collaborate with schools and counsellors in monitoring and supporting their children’s development.

The findings will be significant to curriculum developers, particularly the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), by providing evidence on the need to strengthen existing educational programmes. The study may support efforts to integrate substance abuse awareness, life skills education, health promotion, and behavioural development into Christian Religious Education and other relevant school subjects.

The study will also be useful to educational policymakers at federal and state levels. Findings from the study may provide evidence for developing policies that strengthen school counselling services, improve teacher training, support adolescent health programmes, and encourage collaboration between educational institutions and health agencies. Policymakers may use the findings to design preventive strategies that address substance abuse before it develops into more serious social and health problems.

The study will contribute to the efforts of public health practitioners and health promotion agencies by providing information on school-based approaches to preventing substance abuse. Health professionals may use the findings to develop interventions that combine health education, psychological support, and value-based approaches to improve adolescent health outcomes.

The study will also benefit Christian organizations and faith-based institutions by demonstrating how religious education and counselling support can contribute to youth development and health promotion. Churches and youth ministries may use the findings to strengthen programmes addressing drug abuse awareness, moral development, mentorship, responsible living, and adolescent support.

Academically, this study will contribute to existing knowledge in the fields of Christian Religious Education, guidance and counselling, public health education, adolescent development, and behavioural studies. It will address an existing research gap by examining the combined influence of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services rather than focusing on them separately. Future researchers may use the study as a reference for further investigations into school-based approaches to adolescent health promotion.

1.8 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the impact of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services on substance abuse prevention and health promotion among secondary school students in Surulere, Lagos State.

The geographical scope of the study is limited to selected secondary schools located within Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The content scope covers:

• the influence of Christian Religious Education on students’ awareness, attitudes, values, and behaviours relating to substance abuse prevention;
• the role of Guidance Services in counselling students against substance misuse and promoting healthy decision-making;
• the contribution of Christian Religious Education to students’ health promotion behaviours;
• the combined impact of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services on substance abuse prevention; and
• challenges affecting the effective implementation of religious education and counselling services in promoting adolescent health.

The independent variables of the study are:

1. Christian Religious Education; and
2. Guidance Services.

The dependent variables are:

1. Substance abuse prevention; and
2. Health promotion among secondary school students.

The study population will consist of secondary school students, particularly Senior Secondary School students (SS I–SS III), because they are within the adolescent age group and are exposed to the educational and counselling interventions examined in this study.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

Christian Religious Education (CRE)

Christian Religious Education refers to a school subject that provides students with biblical knowledge, Christian beliefs, moral values, ethical principles, and teachings that encourage responsible living, self-discipline, and positive character development.

Guidance Services

Guidance Services refer to professional assistance provided by trained school counsellors to help students understand themselves, solve personal and social problems, make informed decisions, develop coping skills, and maintain healthy behaviours.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or inappropriate use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, prescription drugs, and other substances in ways that negatively affect an individual’s health, behaviour, academic performance, and social relationships.

Substance Abuse Prevention

Substance abuse prevention refers to educational, counselling, and behavioural interventions designed to reduce the likelihood of substance use among students by increasing awareness, strengthening decision-making skills, and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Health Promotion

Health promotion refers to the process of enabling individuals to increase control over and improve their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being through knowledge, healthy behaviours, and supportive environments.

Secondary School Students

Secondary school students refer to learners enrolled in junior and senior secondary schools who are undergoing adolescent development and are exposed to educational, social, and behavioural influences within the school environment.

Impact

Impact refers to the extent to which Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services contribute to changes in students’ knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and practices relating to substance abuse prevention and health promotion.

Project – The Impact of Christian Religious Education and Guidance Services on Substance Abuse Prevention and Health Promotion Among Secondary School Students in Surulere