Citation

Onohwosafe PS, Egenege JA, Blinkhorn AS. Int. J. Health Promot. Educ. 2008; 46(1): 33-34.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Institute of Health Education)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study was a descriptive survey that focused on factors influencing students' drug use among secondary school students in Delta Central Senatorial District, Delta State, Nigeria. A simple ballot system was used to select the sample from junior secondary school (JSS) classes 1 and 2, and senior secondary school (SSS) classes 1 and 2. A self-complete questionnaire was used to elicit information from 640 students about their demographic characteristics, and general information about factors that influence their drug use. The majority of students reported that they have used drugs including pain relieving drugs, alcohol and marijuana to relieve pain, to feel good, to sleep and relax, and to keep awake during exams. No differences in drug use were seen among the JSS classes and SSS classes. There was no significant difference between students with high and low academic performance in terms of their drug use. Peer groups were the main factor that influenced drug use. The students had little knowledge about the different drugs and their effects. For this particular group of students a drug education programme might well be helpful.