Project – Prevalence, pattern and determinants of substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government, of Osun State, Southwest Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Substance abuse among youths has become a pressing public health and social concern globally. The World Health Organization (WHO, n.d.) defines substance abuse as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Such behaviour is not merely a matter of personal choice but a complex public health issue that has implications for morbidity, mortality, and social functioning. The global burden of substance abuse is evidenced by its association with road accidents, interpersonal violence, psychiatric disorders, and lost productivity across different regions of the world.

Globally, the World Drug Report highlights that millions of young people are increasingly experimenting with psychoactive substances at an early age, often before 18 years. This early initiation exposes them to long-term health consequences such as dependence, impaired cognitive functioning, and social maladjustment (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNODC], 2020). Youths, because of their developmental stage, peer influence, and risk-taking behaviour, are disproportionately vulnerable to the harms of drug use compared to adults.

In Africa, the prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents and young adults is on the rise. Rapid urbanisation, socioeconomic hardships, unemployment, and weak enforcement of drug-control policies contribute to this trend (Nabofa et al., 2021). Several African countries report a steady increase in cannabis, alcohol, and pharmaceutical drug misuse among young people. In addition, porous borders and limited resources for drug enforcement exacerbate availability and access to illicit substances. This creates a dangerous environment where vulnerable youths can easily experiment and become addicted.

Nigeria represents one of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa most affected by the growing drug problem. A national survey by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA, 2018) revealed that one in seven Nigerians aged 15–64 years had used drugs in the past year. The report also highlighted that the prevalence of drug use in Nigeria is more than twice the global average. Substances such as cannabis, tramadol, codeine, benzodiazepines, and alcohol are particularly widespread among the youth population, making Nigeria a critical case in the regional drug epidemic.

Beyond the sheer numbers, the consequences of substance abuse in Nigeria are profound. Youths engaged in drug abuse often experience academic underperformance, involvement in criminal activities, and deteriorating family relationships (Oshodi, Aina, & Onajole, 2010). Social problems such as cultism, armed robbery, and violent crime in many Nigerian cities have been linked to drug abuse. This underscores the fact that substance abuse is not only a medical or psychological problem but also a social and developmental challenge that affects national security and human capital development.

In Osun State, studies have documented the troubling rise of substance use among adolescents and youths. For example, Idowu et al. (2023) found that peer influence, lack of parental supervision, low socioeconomic status, and poor health education were significant determinants of drug use in rural Osun communities. The study also reported a variety of substances being misused, including cannabis, alcohol, and non-prescribed pharmaceutical drugs. Such findings reveal that the problem is not confined to Nigeria’s major urban centres but extends to semi-urban and rural communities like those in Osun State.

Similarly, Oshodi, Aina, and Onajole (2010) observed that substance abuse was already prevalent among secondary school students in southwestern Nigeria. The most frequently used substances were alcohol and cannabis, and many students reported that peer pressure and curiosity influenced their initiation into drug use. These findings point to an urgent need for preventive measures targeting young people, especially within the school environment where early experimentation often begins.

The increasing prevalence of drug abuse among Nigerian youths can also be linked to wider societal problems such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of recreational facilities. Young people often turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for stress, frustration, or the desire to “escape” from challenging life realities (Nabofa et al., 2021). Furthermore, the glamorisation of drug use in music, movies, and social media has normalised the behaviour in certain subcultures, making it appear fashionable to impressionable youths.

At the community level, Olorunda Local Government in Osun State faces similar challenges. As an urban–peri-urban area, it is home to a diverse youth population exposed to varying degrees of socioeconomic hardship and peer pressure. Yet, there is limited empirical data on the extent of drug use within this LGA. Understanding the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of substance abuse among youths in Olorunda is crucial for effective public health planning, educational policy, and community mobilisation. Without this evidence, interventions may remain generic and fail to address the specific drivers of drug use in the locality.

In light of these concerns, this study seeks to investigate the prevalence, pattern, and determinants of substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government, Osun State. By providing localised data, the study will help policymakers, health practitioners, educators, and community leaders design targeted interventions that are culturally relevant and evidence-based. Ultimately, tackling youth substance abuse is essential not only for protecting the health and future of young people but also for ensuring the sustainable development of Nigerian communities.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Substance abuse has become a pressing issue of global concern, with young people disproportionately affected due to their developmental stage, vulnerability to peer pressure, and exposure to risky behaviours. Although Nigeria has participated in national drug use surveys and health monitoring initiatives, these data are often aggregated and do not reflect the unique circumstances of individual communities. Consequently, the specific realities of youths in semi-urban and rural localities such as Olorunda Local Government of Osun State remain underexplored. This lack of context-specific evidence limits the ability of stakeholders to design targeted interventions.

In recent years, socioeconomic pressures such as unemployment, poverty, and limited access to higher education have been identified as critical risk factors for substance use among Nigerian youths. Olorunda Local Government, being a mixed urban–peri-urban setting, experiences many of these challenges. Anecdotal evidence suggests that young people in the area may be increasingly exposed to substances such as cannabis, tramadol, alcohol, and codeine. However, without empirical data, the magnitude of the problem remains unclear. This knowledge gap makes it difficult for policymakers, educators, and community leaders to accurately assess the situation and respond appropriately.

While national and regional studies (NDLEA, 2018; Idowu et al., 2023; Oshodi et al., 2010) have documented the prevalence of substance abuse, they often generalize findings across wide geographic regions. Such generalizations may obscure the unique social, cultural, and economic determinants of substance use in Olorunda Local Government. For instance, peer influence, cultural practices, weak parental supervision, and limited recreational opportunities may play more dominant roles in shaping youth behaviours in this locality compared to other parts of Nigeria. Failure to identify these specific drivers perpetuates a cycle of ineffective or poorly targeted interventions.

Moreover, substance abuse among youths in Olorunda poses grave implications for both individual well-being and community development. Substance use has been linked to mental health challenges, poor academic performance, risky sexual behaviours, criminality, and violent conduct. These outcomes undermine the capacity of youths to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic progress of their communities. The ripple effect extends to families, schools, healthcare systems, and the broader society, deepening cycles of poverty and social instability.

Despite the growing concern, most interventions to address substance abuse in Osun State have been ad hoc and reactive, often driven by sporadic law enforcement activities rather than systematic, evidence-based prevention programmes. Schools, religious institutions, and community organisations have made efforts, but the absence of reliable baseline data hampers sustained planning. Additionally, there is limited integration of counselling, peer education, and mental health services into youth-focused programmes, further exacerbating the challenge.

Therefore, this study is timely and necessary. By investigating the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government, this research provides empirical evidence that will guide community-specific prevention and intervention strategies. Ultimately, the findings will help bridge the knowledge gap, empower stakeholders, and strengthen local and state-level efforts to curb the rising trend of substance abuse among Nigerian youths.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence, pattern, and determinants of substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government Area, Osun State.

The study aims to:

1. Determine the prevalenceof substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government, Osun State.
2. Identify the patternof commonly abused substances among youths in the study area.
3. Examine the socio-demographic and contextual determinantsof substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government.
4. Assess the perceptions and knowledgeof youths regarding the health and social consequences of substance abuse.

1.4. Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the prevalence of substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government?
2. What types and patterns of substances are most commonly abused by youths in the study area?
3. What socio-demographic and contextual factors determine substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government?
4. What are the perceptions and levels of knowledge of youths regarding the health and social consequences of substance abuse?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

H₀: There is no significant association between selected socio-demographic and contextual factors and substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government Area, Osun State.

H₁: There is a significant association between selected socio-demographic and contextual factors and substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government Area, Osun State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it will provide baseline data on the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government of Osun State. Currently, most available data on substance abuse in Nigeria are drawn from national surveys or studies conducted in broader geographical regions, which do not always capture the peculiarities of individual communities. By narrowing the focus to Olorunda, this research will supply evidence that is context-specific and therefore more relevant for designing effective interventions within the locality (Idowu et al., 2023).

The findings will also be of immense value to policymakers, particularly those working at state and local government levels. Effective policy requires accurate and current data to ensure that interventions are well-targeted. Information on the types of substances commonly abused, the socio-demographic factors associated with use, and the social drivers of abuse will guide the formulation of evidence-based strategies to address the problem. This can support the development of youth-focused initiatives, including prevention programmes, skill acquisition projects, and empowerment schemes that reduce the risk factors associated with substance abuse.

Health authorities and educational stakeholders stand to benefit significantly from this study. For health professionals, the data can inform the design of community health campaigns, counselling services, and rehabilitation programmes tailored to the needs of young people in Olorunda. For schools and educational administrators, the study’s findings can inform the integration of substance abuse awareness into curricula, peer education programmes, and guidance and counselling services. In this way, schools can serve as effective platforms for prevention and early intervention.

Furthermore, law enforcement agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will find the study particularly useful. Localised data can help NDLEA and other security agencies tailor their enforcement and sensitisation efforts to reflect the realities of the community. Instead of adopting generic approaches, law enforcement can focus on the substances most commonly abused in Olorunda, while also collaborating with local institutions to implement preventive strategies that reduce demand for illicit substances.

Academically, this study will contribute to the growing body of literature on substance abuse in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. By adding new empirical evidence, it will enrich scholarly debates on the prevalence and determinants of youth substance abuse. The study’s findings can serve as a valuable reference point for future research, including comparative studies across different regions or more in-depth explorations of specific factors influencing substance use. In this way, the research enhances both theoretical understanding and practical knowledge in the field of public health, sociology, and education.

Finally, the study is significant for the youths and community members themselves. By highlighting the extent and consequences of substance abuse, it will raise awareness and stimulate dialogue within families, schools, religious bodies, and peer groups. Such awareness is crucial for changing attitudes and behaviours, reducing stigma, and encouraging individuals at risk to seek help. Ultimately, the study will empower the community to take ownership of the problem and to participate actively in developing sustainable solutions to safeguard the future of its young people.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is restricted to youths aged 15–24 years in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State. It focuses on identifying the prevalence, commonly abused substances, usage patterns, and determinants (such as peer pressure, socioeconomic factors, and parental influence). The study does not extend to older adults or out-of-school children below 15 years.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Like most social and public health research, this study is subject to certain limitations. First, data collection relies on self-reported responses, which may be affected by social desirability bias, as respondents may underreport or deny substance use. Second, the study is cross-sectional, which means it can only identify associations rather than establish causal relationships. Finally, limited resources may restrict the sample size, thereby affecting the generalisability of findings beyond Olorunda LGA.

1.9 Definition of Terms

• Substance Abuse: The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs, in a way that negatively affects health or social functioning (WHO, n.d.).
• Prevalence: The proportion of individuals in the study population who report having used one or more substances within a specified period (lifetime or current).
• Pattern: The type, frequency, and mode of use of substances among respondents, including single and multiple substance use.
• Determinants: Factors influencing substance abuse such as socio-demographic, familial, peer-related, and environmental influences (Idowu et al., 2023).
• Youth: Persons between the ages of 15–24 years, as defined by the United Nations.

Project – Prevalence, pattern and determinants of substance abuse among youths in Olorunda Local Government, of Osun State, Southwest Nigeria