Perception of Students on Drug Use and Abuse on the Academic Performance of Students in Biology

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

The use of drugs dates back into the pre-history of man. Such drugs were used to relieve pain or cure and control diseases (Curew and Dibal, 1999). Drugs as defined by the World Health Organization (1967) is any substance which taken by living organisms may modify the functions of living organism. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC, 1999), stated that situations of ill-health provide the compelling need for drugs that is in order to modify the functions of the body and restore it to life. However, the major issue with drugs is not in its use for curative purposes but in the abuse and misuse of these drugs especially when these drugs are psychoactive drugs.

The consumption level of hard drugs has risen sharply in Nigeria within the last two decades. Such drugs like heroine, cocaine, cannabis and even alcohol have in recent times become so easily accessible by individuals of much cancer is the high prevalence of the use of these drugs among adolescents. Adolescents use drugs for several reasons among which are, for experimentation, mere fun and excitement, peer pressure, to get over depression and other psychological problems, etc.

However, the use of these drugs among young people has so much effect on individuals, families and the society at large. The problems range from social, psychological, economical and even political problems. Therefore, in Somolu Local Government Area, Lagos State where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Perception Of Students On Drug Use And Abuse On The Academic Performance Of Students In Biology Among Senior Secondary School Students.

1.2 Statement of Problems

The use of hard drugs including alcohol and cigarette is a major source of health and psychological problems among adults and young people in both developed and developing countries, including Nigeria. It is generally believed that most people who use these substances often begin at an early age and may continue throughout life.

Adolescent stage is usually viewed as a period of experimentation where young people seek to go beyond the protective shelter of adults thus involving in activities that are often detrimental to their health and well-being, such as the use of drugs. Despite hazards and other implications of drug use and use of these substances among young people, this study therefore seeks to find out the factors that contribute to this and proffer solution to address these issues.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to examine in detail the Perception of Students on Drug Use and Abuse on the Academic Performance of Students in Biology among Senior Secondary School Students in Somolu Local Government Area, Lagos State. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To identify the most commonly abused substances and the factors that contribute to the use of these substances.
2. To find out the knowledge and perception of the health risk and other implications of drug use among students.
3. To examine the effects of drug abuse on students’ academic performance among secondary school students in Somolu Local Government Area.
4. To recommend strategies of addressing problems of drugs abuse.

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:

• Are students aware of the implications of drug use?
• Does awareness of health risk associated with hard drugs influence its use by students in secondary schools?
• What substances are commonly abused by students in secondary schools?
• What factors influence the use of drugs among students in secondary school?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: There is no significant relationship between the reasons given for abusing drugs and academic performance of secondary school students.
• H1: There is significant relationship between the reasons given for abusing drugs and academic performance of secondary school students.

Hypothesis Two

• H0: There is no significant relationship between the effects of drug abuse and academic performance of secondary school students.
• H1: There is significant relationship between the effects of drug abuse and academic performance of secondary school students.

1.6 Significance of Study

It is expected that this study will make the following contributions to the advancement of drug use and abuse especially among young people. It will provide necessary information and create awareness on the extent of drug use among students. This will help parents; teachers and indeed all stakeholders to plan intervention programmes that will help solve the problem of drug use in the society. It is also expected to educate students on the implications of drug use and thus prompt them to make informed decisions on drug use.

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.7 Scope of Study

This study focuses on the Perception of Students on Drug Use and Abuse on the Academic Performance of Students in Biology among Senior Secondary School Students using Somolu Local Government Area in Lagos State as a case study.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this project work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this establishment to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
3. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
4. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
5. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

1.9 Definition of Terms

Drug: Is an illegal substance that some people take, smoke, inject e.t.c for the physical and mental effects it has.

Drug Abuse: A drug is said to be abused when its use is not pharmacological or physically necessary it can also be used to describe a situation whereby the dosage of a given drug is exceeded by the user.

Academic Performance: Is the outcome of education - the extent to which a student, teacher or Institution has achieved their educational goals.