Keywords
substance abuse
awareness
adolescents
secondary school students
Nigeria
Abstract
Background, Psychoactive substance abuse among adolescents is a growing public health concern in Nigeria. This study investigated the awareness of consequences, attitudes, and the relationship between awareness and substance abuse among secondary school students in Owerre-Ebeiri, Orlu, Imo State, in Nigeria.
Objective: This study examined the awareness of the consequences of psychoactive substance abuse among secondary school students in Owerre‑Ebeiri, Orlu, Imo State. Methods: A descriptive correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of senior secondary school students (SS1–SS3), and a sample size of 226 respondents was obtained using Yamane’s formula. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled 'Awareness of the Consequences of Psychoactive Substance Abuse among Secondary School Students (ACPSAASS)'. Reliability testing produced a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.72, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi‑square analysis.
Result: Findings revealed that students demonstrated a high level of awareness of psychoactive substances and their consequences. However, despite this awareness, some students reported experimenting with substances due to curiosity, peer pressure, and stress. The chi‑square test indicated a significant relationship between awareness and substance abuse (χ² = 394.837, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study concludes that awareness alone may not be sufficient to prevent substance abuse among adolescents. Strengthening school‑based education, parental guidance, and community awareness programs is recommended.
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