Illicit Drug Use among Adolescents: A Public Perception of Influencing Factors in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundIllicit drug use among adolescents has become a public health concern which cuts across all social strata. This study explored the public perception of factors that influence illicit drug use among adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. The study adopted a mixed-method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods and was carried out in Owerri metropolis of Imo State, Nigeria. The research instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and in-depth interview guide. The target population comprised adults 18 years and above residing in the area of interest at the time of the study. For the qualitative method, a total of 10 communities were selected randomly by balloting and availability sampling was employed in the selection of respondents. Respondents for the qualitative method were purposively selected.ResultsIn the quantitative study, just over half of the respondents, from across the three areas in Owerri metropolis, asserted that peer influence, emotional/relationship problems, wanting to feel ‘high’ are factors influencing adolescent consumption of illicit drugs whereas the qualitative study found family background, ‘unique’ experience such as the death of a loved one etc. as factors influencing adolescents’ illicit drug use. The quantitative results showed that persons with a higher level of education are more likely than those with a lower level of education to perceive a significant difference in drug use between in – school and out – of – school adolescents. ConclusionsPeer influence, emotional/relationship problems and the influence of media (especially the social media), among several other identified reasons, are perceived by the public as factors that influence adolescents’ use of illicit drugs. Some of the factors identified by the public are either not supported by evidence or are against evidence. As a means to curb some of these factors, the communities, schools and universities should formulate contextual policies to prevent drug use and should also hold seminars for parents and families to alert them early to the symptoms of drug use in their children.