1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The issue of drug abuse among students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria has been a longstanding concern, with both social and academic implications. Hard drug substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana, have been associated with a range of negative outcomes, including addiction, mental health disorders, and even death. Over the decades, these substances have found their way into campuses, particularly as a result of increased urbanization, globalization, and the proliferation of illicit drug trafficking (Ogunleye & Alabi, 2018).
The prevalence of hard drug use among students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria has become a growing concern, posing serious threats to individual well-being, academic performance, and national development. Hard drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine, are substances with potent psychoactive effects that often lead to dependence, psychological disorders, and in some cases, death. The increasing trend of drug use among students is influenced by a variety of factors including peer pressure, curiosity, poor parental guidance, and the desire to enhance academic or social performance (Obot, 2017).
According to Adelekan & Lawal (2018), the tertiary education phase is a critical stage in a person's life, typically characterized by a high level of independence and exposure to various social influences. Students in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education are particularly vulnerable to experimenting with drugs due to stress, academic pressure, and a lack of coping mechanisms (Adelekan & Lawal, 2018). In many cases, drug use begins as a casual habit but often escalates into addiction with severe consequences for the individual's health and future prospects.
Studies have shown that awareness and education are effective tools in preventing drug abuse among young people. When students are well-informed about the risks associated with drug use, they are more likely to adopt responsible behaviors and resist peer pressure (Eneh & Stanley, 2016). Drug abuse, particularly the misuse of hard drug substances, has become a significant global public health concern, with its impact particularly pronounced among youths, especially students in tertiary institutions. Hard drugs are substances that have a strong effect on the central nervous system and can lead to addiction or harmful physical and psychological effects. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drug abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs (WHO, 2016).
In the context of Nigeria, Adewumi & Ogundipe (2018) stated that the rise in hard drug consumption among students in higher education institutions poses a serious threat to academic achievement, health, and social stability. Students often experiment with drugs due to peer pressure, emotional stress, curiosity, or as a means of coping with academic and personal challenges (Adewumi & Ogundipe, 2018). The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is a vulnerable period during which many students may be exposed to risky behaviors, including drug use.
The knowledge and awareness of the consequences of hard drug use among these students is crucial in addressing the problem. Adequate knowledge refers to having accurate information about the nature of hard drugs, their health implications, and the legal consequences of their usage, while awareness implies the recognition of the severity of drug abuse as a social issue. When students are well-informed, they are more likely to make responsible decisions and avoid drug-related behaviors (Nwankwo & Okoye, 2019). Therefore, this study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of the effects of hard drug substances among students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the issue of hard drug abuse among students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria has become an alarming concern in recent years. Despite several public awareness campaigns and interventions aimed at curbing the prevalence of drug misuse, students continue to engage in the consumption of substances such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. Many students remain uninformed about the significant physical, mental, and social consequences that arise from prolonged use of hard drugs. While some students may be aware of these substances' existence, they do not fully understand their addictive nature or the irreversible damage they cause to their health.
Additionally, the absence of comprehensive drug education within Nigerian tertiary institutions further exacerbates the issue. Educational programs that are intended to equip students with proper information on the dangers of drug abuse are often inadequate or not effectively communicated.
Furthermore, the influence of the media, music, and social networks plays a critical role in shaping students' perceptions about drug use. The glamorization of drug culture in popular media, coupled with a lack of proper guidance, creates an environment where many students view drug consumption as a way to fit in socially or cope with the stress of academic demands. Therefore, this study seeks to bridge this gap by assessing the level of knowledge and awareness of the effects of hard drug substances among students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding the effects of hard drug substances among students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the general awareness of students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria about the types of hard drugs commonly abused, including their physical, psychological, and social consequences.
- To evaluate the level of knowledge students have concerning the long-term health effects and risks associated with the abuse of hard drugs.
- To investigate the factors influencing students' awareness of the effects of hard drug substances, including the role of media, peer influence, and educational programs.
- To assess the effectiveness of current awareness campaigns and educational programs on drug abuse within Nigerian tertiary institutions.
- To identify the relationship between students' level of awareness and their attitudes towards drug use and abuse.
- To provide recommendations on how to improve drug awareness programs and reduce drug abuse among students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the general level of awareness among students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria regarding the types of hard drugs commonly abused and their associated consequences?
- To what extent do students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria understand the long-term physical, psychological, and social effects of hard drug abuse?
- What are the key factors influencing students' awareness of the effects of hard drug substances, including the impact of media, peer influence, and educational programs?
- How effective are the current awareness campaigns and educational programs on drug abuse within Nigerian tertiary institutions in increasing students' knowledge about the dangers of hard drugs?
- What is the relationship between students' level of awareness about hard drugs and their attitudes towards using or abusing such substances?
- What strategies or recommendations can be made to improve drug awareness programs and reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among students in Nigerian tertiary institutions?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following hypotheses are proposed for the study on the Knowledge and Awareness on Effect of Hard Drug Substances among Students in Tertiary Institution in Nigeria:
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between students' level of awareness about the effects of hard drugs and their attitudes towards drug use in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between students' level of awareness about the effects of hard drugs and their attitudes towards drug use in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: The effectiveness of current awareness campaigns and educational programs is negatively correlated with the level of knowledge students have about the consequences of hard drug use in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
- H1: The effectiveness of current awareness campaigns and educational programs is positively correlated with the level of knowledge students have about the consequences of hard drug use in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: There are no significant factors influencing students' awareness of the effects of hard drug substances, including the impact of media, peer influence, and educational programs.
- H1: There are significant factors influencing students' awareness of the effects of hard drug substances, including the impact of media, peer influence, and educational programs.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research study will be significant in informing the development of more effective drug education and prevention programs tailored to the specific needs of students in these institutions. Furthermore, this research will highlight the factors that influence students' awareness, such as the role of peer influence, media, and existing educational programs.
The study will also raise awareness about the long-term health, psychological, and social effects of hard drug use, which will potentially influence students' decisions and attitudes towards drug consumption.
Lastly, the study will provide recommendations for improving existing drug awareness programs and policies within Nigerian tertiary institutions, contributing to healthier, more informed campus environments. It will also serve as a foundation for future research aimed at tackling drug abuse and promoting overall student well-being.
1.7 Scope of Study
This study will focus on the knowledge and awareness of hard drug substances among students in tertiary institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study will include a representative sample of students from various public and private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education within the state.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Hard Drugs:
Hard drugs refer to substances that are typically illegal and highly addictive, often leading to serious physical, psychological, and social consequences. These substances include narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and other potent drugs that have a high potential for abuse and dependence (NIDA, 2020). Hard drugs are known for their harmful effects on the brain and body and are associated with criminal activities and health crises worldwide.
Awareness:
Awareness, in the context of this study, refers to the knowledge and understanding that students have about the harmful effects of hard drug substances. It includes recognizing the types of hard drugs, their potential to cause addiction, and their impact on mental, physical, and social well-being. Awareness also extends to understanding preventive measures, treatment options, and the role of education and campaigns in mitigating drug abuse (Friedman, 2019).
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