Mental Health and Prevalence of Psychoactive Substance Use Among Students

Abstract

This work is focused on the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among Students. Our sample centres are Zion Comprehensive Secondary School, Mgbabor, and College of Health Sciences, Presbyterian College (PRESCO), Abakiliki, Local Government Area, Ebonyi State. Three specific objectives were raised: (A) To ascertain the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among students, (b) To determine the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among students and (C) To unveil factors influencing the psychoactive substance use among students. A descriptive research design was adopted, and 200 students were sampled for the study. Data collection was done using self-structured questionnaire, which was validated, and the reliability of the instrument was established by the test-retest method. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among students was 180(90.0%). Psychoactive substances commonly used were alcohol 70(35.0%), tobacco 40(25.0%), and cigarette 17(8.5%). In addition, factors influencing psychoactive substance use among students were peer group pressure 102(51.0%) and family background 50(25.0%). Our finding showed that there was high prevalence of psychoactive substance use among students. And that more damages are done to the mental health of our youths than what the eye could see. We recommended that psychology and psychologists be introduced into the secondary system of education in Ebonyi State cum Nigeria.  And that seminar, workshops, enlightenment programs, etc. involving parents, students and teachers be organized as these would serve as enlightenment opportunities for all.