Predictors and Predisposing Factors Associated With Substance Abuse Among Youths in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract Background of the study: Substance abuse among youths is a global public health challenge. This impact negatively on health, family, society, educational and professional life. Majority of youths consciously and unconsciously depend on one form of substance or the other for various daily activities such as socio-economical, educational, political and health intervention. Objective: To determine the predictors and predisposing factors associated with substance abuse among youths in Enugu. Methodology: A descriptive study of rural and urban based was utilized among 700 youths aged 15-34 years within three Local Government Areas of the state. The study was conducted from 21st December 2021 to 22nd March, 2022. A multi-stage sampling method was adopted among 700 respondents who gave informed consent. Data were collected using facilitated, self-administered, structured and validated questionnaire. Two research questions and hypotheses in line with the purpose of the study guided the study. The hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance. Results: The mean age of our respondents was 24.5±2SD. Median value of the predisposing factors is 3.0 for all the items outlined in the Likert construct. Median value of 1.0 is for “ignorance about the dangers in substance abuse. Predictors such as; Age, gender, marital status, educational level and occupation are statistically significance, p<0.001. Conclusion: The major predictors and predisposing factors of Psychoactive substance abuse among youths in Enugu state are; Peer influence, Parental influence, curiosity, low self esteem, age, marital status, gender, occupation, educational level etc. Findings from the study underscore an urgent need for parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders and government at all levels to all hands be on deck in fighting against the “monster” called Psychoactive substance abuse among our youths in Enugu State, South East, Nigeria.