Assessment of the prevalence and types of substance abuse among undergraduate students in selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria
5 affiliations
- 1School of Nursing Science, Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria
- 2Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
- 3School of Nursing Science, Babcock University, Ogun State, Nigeria.
- 4Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
- 5Department of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, Global Banking School/Oxford Brookes University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the prevalence and patterns of substance use among undergraduates at three universities in Ogun State, Nigeria: the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye; and Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo.
Method: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilising a multi-stage sampling technique to select participants. The study targeted students aged 15–25 years who were available and willing to participate during the data collection period. Data analysis included Pearson’s chi-square (χ²) test to evaluate the significance of differences in frequency distributions.
Results: Results indicated widespread substance use, with alcohol (86.5%), cigarettes/tobacco (85.5%), and illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, morphine, and marijuana (78%) being the most commonly consumed. Motivations for substance use included coping with stress (79%), enhancing confidence and strength (78.5%), peer influence (68.5%), and recreational enjoyment (31%). The negative impacts of substance use were notable, including reduced academic performance (86.5%), increased cravings (85.5%), depressive symptoms (84%), feelings of euphoria (81.5%), and a perceived ability to overcome personal problems (79.5%). Furthermore, substance abuse contributed to interpersonal conflicts (41.5%) and disrupted sleep patterns (46%).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the high prevalence of substance abuse, particularly alcohol and tobacco, among university students. The study recommends developing and implementing targeted intervention programs to help students reduce and ultimately cease substance use, thereby improving their academic, mental, and physical well-being.
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BibTeX
@article{omeonu2026assessment,
title = {{Assessment of the prevalence and types of substance abuse among undergraduate students in selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria}},
author = {Goodness Omeonu and Osahon Usiobeigbe and N.A. Okafor and Kenneth Iyevhobu and Kennedy Obohwemu},
journal = {Babcock University Medical Journal},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.38029/babcockuniv.med.j..v9is1.1000},
url = {https://doi.org/10.38029/babcockuniv.med.j..v9is1.1000},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Assessment of the prevalence and types of substance abuse among undergraduate students in selected universities in Ogun State, Nigeria
AU - Goodness Omeonu
AU - Osahon Usiobeigbe
AU - N.A. Okafor
AU - Kenneth Iyevhobu
AU - Kennedy Obohwemu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Babcock University Medical Journal
DO - 10.38029/babcockuniv.med.j..v9is1.1000
UR - https://doi.org/10.38029/babcockuniv.med.j..v9is1.1000
AB - Objective: This study examined the prevalence and patterns of substance use among undergraduates at three universities in Ogun State, Nigeria: the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye; and Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo. Method: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilising a multi-stage sampling technique to select participants. The study targeted students aged 15–25 years who were available and willing to participate during the data collection period. Data analysis included Pearson’s chi-square (χ²) test to evaluate the significance of differences in frequency distributions. Results: Results indicated widespread substance use, with alcohol (86.5%), cigarettes/tobacco (85.5%), and illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, morphine, and marijuana (78%) being the most commonly consumed. Motivations for substance use included coping with stress (79%), enhancing confidence and strength (78.5%), peer influence (68.5%), and recreational enjoyment (31%). The negative impacts of substance use were notable, including reduced academic performance (86.5%), increased cravings (85.5%), depressive symptoms (84%), feelings of euphoria (81.5%), and a perceived ability to overcome personal problems (79.5%). Furthermore, substance abuse contributed to interpersonal conflicts (41.5%) and disrupted sleep patterns (46%). Conclusion: The findings highlight the high prevalence of substance abuse, particularly alcohol and tobacco, among university students. The study recommends developing and implementing targeted intervention programs to help students reduce and ultimately cease substance use, thereby improving their academic, mental, and physical well-being.
SN - 2465-6666
SN - 2756-4657
ER -