Prevalence of Substance Abuse among Undergraduate Students in Oyo State

Abstract

The effect of substance abuse has extended beyond the abuser and the vulnerable, but it should include all aiders and abettors. Students who engage in substance abuse exhibit reduced academic performance, increased absenteeism, and a higher propensity to discontinue their education compared to their non-using counterparts. This study investigated prevalence of substance abuse among undergraduate students in Oyo State. This is a descriptive survey research that is anchored on social learning theory. The sample size consisted of 350 participants, 70 respondents were selected from 5 institutions by accidental sampling techniques with the use of standardised questionnaire. The finding showed that incidence of substance abuse is high among undergraduate students in Oyo State (3.2%). The result indicated that there is gender disparity in substance abuse; male students (54.7%) engaged in substance abuse more than their female (45.3%) colleagues. Finally, substance abuse increases drastically in final year among undergraduate students (47.5%). Therefore, it is recommended that there is a need to psycho-educate students on campus about the danger, disadvantages and implication of substance abuse on their behavior, relationship, psychological wellbeing, and mental health.  Only medical doctor should prescribe drugs to students. Over-the-counter prescription must be de-legalised. Disciplinary committee must be set up to punished the offenders.