Demographic correlates of Knowledge of Risk Factors and Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use among Students at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Lois Erowo Obed-Ojukwu
*
Health Promotion, Environmental and Safety Education Department, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Olive. O. Obioma-Onyenma
Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, Nigeria.
Ifeoma Vivian Ugwueke
David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Illicit drug use is a significant problem worldwide, with substances like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine causing harm to individuals and communities. In Nigeria, recent studies highlight a growing concern regarding drug use and its impact on public health. Despite increasing reports of substance use among university students, there is limited empirical evidence on their demographic correlates of knowledge of risk factors and the prevalence of illicit drug use by students and actual drug use at the University of Port Harcourt.
Aim: The study examined the knowledge of risk factors of illicit drug use and its prevalence among students as well as their demographic correlates in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving a sample of 360 respondents selected from nine departments using stratified and simple random sampling techniques, from the faculty of education. Data were collected using a validated self-structured instrument titled Knowledge of Risk Factors and Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use Questionnaire (KRFIDUPQ) with a reliability index of 0.79. The instrument contained 24 items, including demographic variables and 21 knowledge-related items measured on a yes/no scale. Descriptive statistics (percentages) summarised demographic characteristics and research questions, while inferential statistics (chi-square tests) evaluated the association between knowledge of risk factors and the prevalence of illicit drug use. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27 employing percentages as statistical tools.
Findings: Demographic data revealed that the respondents were predominantly young adults: 50.3% were 18–22years. Gender distribution showed a slight male predominance, with males at 55.3% and females at 44.7%. Academic levels were well spread but tilted toward earlier stages: 24.7% at the 200 level. The majority were single, 47.2%. The results on the students’ level of knowledge of risk factors of illicit drug use were an average 58.3% (Fair). The 12-month prevalence was 33.4% (120/360). Among users (n=120), cannabis (64.2%), codeine syrup (50.0%), and tramadol (44.2%) were the most common. There was a significant association between knowledge of risk factors and the prevalence of illicit drug use (χ² test, p<0.001), indicating a moderate inverse relationship between knowledge and use. Students exhibited moderate, uneven knowledge; one in three reported recent use, dominated by cannabis and non-medical pharmaceuticals.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including policy measures and awareness programs, to reduce substance use among university students. Understanding risk factors such as peer pressure and stress can guide counselling and preventive services. Health educators, in collaboration with university administration, should implement curriculum-integrated drug-risk literacy education, particularly during the orientation of newly admitted students, to enhance knowledge and reduce illicit drug use.
Keywords: Demographic, knowledge, risk factors, illicit drug use and prevalence