KNOWLEDGE OF RISK FACTORS AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF ILLICIT DRUG USE AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

1.1 Introduction

Illicit drug use refers to the use of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, inhalants, and solvents to alter mood/behavior. The consumption of alcohol may precede the use of other illicit substances. Alcohol and cigarette were considered as gateways substances because they are the initial substances used before other ones such as marijuana and cocaine (Omigbodun & Babalola, 2004). The use of alcohol has been observed to be associated with adverse health and social consequences arising from its intoxicating abilities to its toxic and dependence- producing properties. Alcohol was discovered to contribute to traumatic outcomes that sometimes kill or disable the user at a relatively young age thereby resulting into loss of many years of life to death or disability (Chikere & Mayowa, 2011).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.

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1.2 Background of Study

Over the years, the consumption level of hard drugs has risen sharply in Nigeria within the last two decades. Such drugs like heroine, cocaine, cannabis and even alcohol have in recent times become so easily accessible by individuals of much cancer is the high prevalence of the use of these drugs among adolescents. Adolescents use drugs for several reasons among which are, for experimentation, mere fun and excitement, peer pressure, to get over depression and other psychological problems, etc. However, the use of these drugs among tertiary institution students has so much effect on individuals, families and the society at large. The problems range from social, psychological, economical and even political problems.

Among all illicit drugs, cannabis is most used by teenagers since it is perceived by many to be of little harm. This perception has led to a growing number of states approving its legalization and increased accessibility (Yasmin, Michael, Michael & Didier, 2013). A correlation was found between tobacco and marijuana use (Yusuf, 2010). The herbal form of marijuana is the most abused substance in West Africa because marijuana is locally cultivated all over the region and it is therefore affordable (UNODC, 2011). Also, farms where marijuana is cultivated is scattered all over Nigeria (Abudu, 2008).

The use of marijuana could result into diverse health problems such as depression and diminished immune responses. The effect on the brain such as the ability of the substance to impair thinking, reading, comprehension and skills could interfere with learning. On the other hand, the use of marijuana could affect a wide range of driving skills needed for safe driving. Slowing down of thinking and other reflexes properties of marijuana may make it difficult for drivers under its influence to respond to sudden or unexpected events, stay on lanes or maintain speed and proper distance between vehicles when driving.

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Knowledge of Risk Factors and Health Implications of Illicit Drug Use among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Enugu North.

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1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that the use of hard drugs including alcohol and cigarette is a major source of health and psychological problems among adults and tertiary institution students in both developed and developing countries, including Nigeria. It is generally believed that most people who use these substances often begin at an early age and may continue throughout life. Despite hazards and other implications of drug use and use of these substances among tertiary institution students, this study therefore seeks to find out the factors that contribute to this and proffer solution to address these issues.

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1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Knowledge of Risk Factors and Health Implications of Illicit Drug Use among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Enugu North. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To investigate the risk factors and health implications of illicit drug use among students attending tertiary institutions;
2. To examine the influence of illicit drug use on students’ academic performance among tertiary institutions students;
3. To identify the type of illicit drug substances used by tertiary institutions students in the area under review; and
4. To determine if relationship exists between knowledge of health effects and illicit drug use among tertiary institution students.

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1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• Are there risk factors and health implications of illicit drug use among students attending tertiary institutions?
• Is there any relationship that exists between knowledge of health effects and illicit drug use among tertiary institution students?
• What is the type of illicit drug substances used by tertiary institutions students in the area under review?
• What is the influence of drug use on students’ academic performance among tertiary institutions students?

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1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: There is no significant relationship between the knowledge of health effects and substance use among students in tertiary institutions.
• H1: There is significant relationship between the knowledge of health effects and substance use among students in tertiary institutions.

Hypothesis Two

• H0: Gender will not significantly influence the knowledge of health effects of substance use among students in tertiary institutions.
• H1: Gender will significantly influence the knowledge of health effects of substance use among students in tertiary institutions.

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1.7 Significance of Study

The findings of this research will provide necessary information and create awareness on the extent of drug use among students. This will help parents; teachers and indeed all stakeholders to plan intervention programmes that will help solve the problem of drug use in the society. It is also expected to educate students on the implications of drug use and thus prompt them to make informed decisions on drug use.

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

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1.8 Scope of Study

This scope of this research is focused on the Knowledge of Risk Factors and Health Implications of Illicit Drug Use Among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Enugu North, Enugu State.

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1.9 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
3. Lack of Initial Cooperation from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.

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1.10 Definition of Terms

Drug:

It is an illegal substance that some people take, smoke, inject e.t.c for the physical and mental effects it has.

Drug Abuse:

A drug is said to be abused when its use is not pharmacological or physically necessary it can also be used to describe a situation whereby the dosage of a given drug is exceeded by the user.

Drug Abuser:

A person who uses illegal drugs or misuse of drugs

Student:

A person who is seriously devoted to some subject, whether academic or not

Learning:

An act in accumulating knowledge

Academic Performance:

It is the outcome of education - the extent to which a student, teacher or Institution has achieved their educational goals.