Psychoactive Substance Use Among Young Offenders in a Nigerian Correctional Facility: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Few studies in Nigeria have specifically examined psychoactive substance use among young offenders. Using the Modified World Health Organization (WHO) Student Drug Use Questionnaire, 54 borstal inmates (a secure correctional facility for juveniles) and 104 secondary school students were compared across several drug use variables. Alcohol was the most prevalent substance used in the lifetime among the borstal inmates and they used it significantly more than the students (66.7% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.03). The difference in alcohol use, however, was no longer significant when age and dysfunctional family background were taken into account in a regression model. Cannabis was the second most commonly used substance among the borstal group and its lifetime prevalence rate was significantly higher among them compared with the students (48.1% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.0001). The one-year prevalence rate of cannabis use was significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.0001). Lifetime tobacco use was also significantly higher among them. Lifetime psychoactive substance use is a significant problem among the borstal inmates in this study with associated psychological and legal implications. There is need to develop government policy directed at adequate screening, assessment and intervention for substance use disorders among borstal populations.

Tobacco use in Nigerian youth: A systematic review

“…Studies showed that smoking prevalence was higher among males than females [ 20 – 27 ]. Among the gender-specific studies, the prevalence of smoking among females ranged between 2.2% [ 28 ] to 10% [ 27 ] while that of males ranged from 1% [ 29 ] to 32.5% [ 27 ].…”

“…In particular, two studies had striking prevalence rates of 19.1% in males [ 31 ] and 32.5% in males [ 27 ]. Three studies reported the prevalence among females as 2.2% [ 28 ], 4.7% [ 32 ] and 10% [ 27 ]. Over one-third (36.7%) of the studies reviewed did not measure risk factors for tobacco smoking in young people.…”

Service and Policy implication of substance use disorders among adolescents in juvenile correctional facilities in Lagos, Nigeria

“…As a matter of fact, substance abuse among young persons has been viewed as a variant of juvenile delinquency sue generis and an integral part of the youth offending syndrome (Neff & Waite, 2007 ; Ogunwale et al . 2011 ). It is therefore not surprising that research from different parts of the world have documented high prevalence rates of co-morbid substance abuse among youth in correctional institutions around the world (Teplin et al 2002 ; Wasserman et al 2002 ; Prichard & Payne, 2005 ; Ogunwale et al 2011 ).…”

“… 2011 ). It is therefore not surprising that research from different parts of the world have documented high prevalence rates of co-morbid substance abuse among youth in correctional institutions around the world (Teplin et al 2002 ; Wasserman et al 2002 ; Prichard & Payne, 2005 ; Ogunwale et al 2011 ).…”

“…In spite of the preponderance of evidence to justify a need for such, a significant proportion of youth correctional centers around the world lacked integrated substance abuse screening and treatment services (Snyder & Sickmund, 2006 ; Young et al 2007 ). The situation is even worse in Nigeria as substance abuse is yet to be identified or prioritized as an issue of concern among adolescents within correctional institutions, and there is yet to be any clear-cut policy on drug abuse assessment and treatment in such institutions in the country (Ogunwale et al 2011 ).…”