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KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF DRUG USE & ABUSE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Knowledge refers to the understanding or awareness that students possess regarding various aspects of drug use, including types of drugs, their effects, and associated risks. This encompasses factual information acquired through education, personal experiences, and exposure to societal messages. "Perception," on the other hand, pertains to the subjective interpretation or understanding of drug-related phenomena, including attitudes, beliefs, and opinions held by students regarding drug use and abuse. This involves how students perceive the prevalence, acceptability, and consequences of drug use within their social context. By examining both knowledge and perception, the study seeks to gain insights into students' comprehension of drug-related issues and their attitudes towards them. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions and educational programs aimed at preventing drug use and promoting healthy behaviors among secondary school students.

Drug abuse has become a global phenomenon affecting almost every country; though the extent, causes, effects and characteristics vary from one country to another. A drug refers to a substance that could bring about a change in the biological function of a human being through its chemical actions (Okoye,2001:9).

It is also considered as a substance that modifies perceptions, cognition, mood, behavior and general body functions (Balogun, 2006:8). The most commonly used and abused substances globally are cigarettes, cannabis and alcohol. Alcohol and other related problems are becoming more and more a public health concern globally; due to overuse and indiscriminate use of drugs (Acolagbe, 2005). Hence, the misuse of drugs is considered one of the leading causes of preventable death; illness and injury as it impedes the peace of the world. Commonly used substances are inhalants, heroin and cocaine (Acolagbe, 2005).

Notwithstanding, in the context of this research, drug abuse is considered as taking overdose of a specific drug or substance; or indiscriminate consumption of such substances capable of upsetting the biological functioning and physiological behavior of individuals consuming them (Edeneyi, 1993).

The substance abuse problem in Nigeria is not different from other countries though there may be variations in the magnitude of the problem. Similarly, students and youth found in the acts of drug abuse are oftentimes academically and socially less developed as they are not respected and recognized to make reasonable contributions to any development. This is because drug abuse does not only downgrade the academic performance of students, but also affects the moral, physical and general buildup of the secondary school students (Kandel & Chen, 1995). Morally, students are otherwise disobedient to their teachers, parents and their senior students both at school and at home as a result of drug influence.

Consequently, drugs or substance abuse causes disorder characterized by the use of behavior-altering substances in a maladaptive pattern resulting in significant impairment or distress. These consequences result in failure to fulfill social or occupational obligations or recurrent use in situations in which it is physically dangerous to do so; or which end in legal problems or behavior modification (Kandel & Chen, 1995; Acolagbe, 2005).

Drug abuse most often begins in the early adolescence stage because of socioeconomic problems and cultural practices of this age group (Kandel & Chen,1995:65). The sequence of usage ranges from tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and other substances. Secondary school students are increasingly engaging in prescribed drugs, particularly narcotics which are prescribed to relieve severe pain and stimulant medications, which treat conditions like attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy (Turner, 2008). Therefore, youths who are seen as the leaders of tomorrow and being placed to be trained in secondary schools have swerved to the use of drugs. This act in no way contributes to the development of the students and the expected output of these students can greatly diminish their academic performances because of their tenacity to drug addiction (Turner,2008). The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stated that drug abuse is a major problem in schools (NDLEA, 1997). For instance, about 20% of the school population in Edo state, Nigeria has taken a psychoactive drug once in their lives (Alemika, 1998:45).

Many of these behaviors are heavily tied to the peer culture, as children learn from and imitate the peers they like and admire Kithi (2007). Thus, in a bid to be attractive to others becomes very important in adolescence, and this factor is significant in the development of eating disorders, alcohol consumption, tobacco and drug use, tanning, not practicing safe sex, and vulnerability to injury, among other behaviors (Alemika, 1998). Staff (2012) Avers that Adolescents who abuse substances typically do more poorly in school, and family problems, deviance, and low self esteem appears to explain this relationship. Parents and peers influence adolescent drinking by influencing attitudes about alcohol and by acting as role models (Taylor, 2003:78). Secondary school students ignorantly depend on one form of drug or the other for their various daily activities such as social, educational, political, and moral among others, such drug include , Indian hemp, cocaine, morphine, Heroin, Alcohol, Ephedrine, Madras, caffeine, glue, Barbiturates and Amphetamines World Health Organization (2003) . Today, more Nigerian youths are becoming drug dependants, while Nigeria gradually transits from the status of a drug-consuming nation to that of a drug-producing one and Young ones who are mainly from 'well-to-do homes are increasingly identifying with the 'big boys' that practice the use of substance like heroin and cocaine. Other substances like Indian hemp, which is frequently produced in Nigeria and other substances like Methamphetamine and tablets with codeine capable of intoxication are mostly found in schools (Staff, 2012). To attest to the global problem of drug abuse, Carol (1983) said "n recent years, the American people have annually consumed nearly 2.5 million gallons of vitamins, nearly 3 million pounds of tranquilizer barbiturates and the medicine cabinets in American homes have never been as full". All formal instituted organization exists to achieve specific objectives, and the task of educational administration, therefore, is to plan strategies for their effective attainment. These strategies include working out details of what needs to be done and the method of doing them. The details so worked out should include the setting up of a formal structure which permits the hierarchical allocation of responsibilities and a communication flow, for accomplishing the purposes of an enterprise (Edem1998).

To this end, during International day against drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking of 26th June, 1988, the then United Nations* Secretary General, Javier Peres de Cellar, noted that drug and drug trafficking had already claimed millions of lives, weakened national economies, undermined the integrity and stability of governments and endangered the human society as a whole. He remarked that the dimensions of such a crisis were painfully clear and that drug related crimes had reached alarming proportions. In such a global epidemic, he concluded, all nations were vulnerable (United Nations, 1988).

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The study aims to investigate the knowledge and perception of drug use and abuse among secondary school students. It seeks to explore the prevalence of drug use among students from broken homes, identify the factors contributing to drug abuse in this demographic, assess the impact and students' attitudes towards drugs, and propose strategies to address and prevent drug abuse in secondary schools with a focus on supporting students with these challenges.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to determine knowledge and perception of drug use & abuse among secondary school students

Specific objectives include;

1. To assess the knowledge level of secondary school students regarding drug use and abuse.

2. To explore the perception of secondary school students towards drug use and abuse.

3. To investigate the correlation between knowledge, perception, and actual behavior regarding drug use among secondary school students.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the extent of knowledge among secondary school students regarding different types of drugs and their effects?

2. How do secondary school students perceive drug use and abuse in their communities and peer groups?

3. Is there a relationship between the knowledge level and perception of drug use among secondary school students?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Hypotheses i

H0: There is no significant relationship between the knowledge level of secondary school students about drug use and their perception of its risks and consequences.

H1: There is a significant relationship between the knowledge level of secondary school students about drug use and their perception of its risks and consequences.

Hypotheses ii

H0: Secondary school students who perceive drug use positively are not more likely to engage in drug use themselves.

H1: Secondary school students who perceive drug use positively are more likely to engage in drug use themselves.

Hypotheses iii

H0: There is no significant difference in drug use behavior between students with high knowledge and those with low knowledge about drug use and abuse.**

H1: Students with high knowledge about drug use and abuse are less likely to engage in drug use compared to those with low knowledge.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study could help the Ministry of Education (M.O.E) to better understand the current situation and accordingly make changes to address the factors that contribute to alcohol and drug abuse among school going children and the youth as a whole. Nigeria, like many developing countries, is faced with the social problem of high rates of alcohol and drug abuse. To make matters worse, the percentage of drug abusers in the population increases yearly despite the efforts to eradicate the problem. Failure to solve this problem not only threatens the life of individuals, but also the economic and social development of the country as a whole. The current study is useful in contributing to the general body of knowledge in this area. Beyond that, however, it also explores the potential of the government to curb the drug problem.

The study should help to make policy makers, administrators and teachers aware of the factors hindering the effectiveness of the approaches which attempt to curb alcohol and drug abuse and, where possible, create opportunities to eradicate the problem. The proposed recommendations would be useful in educating all Nigerian youths and adults, on the risks of alcohol and drug consumption. Thus, this study would play an important role in reducing, or even preventing high rates of drug use and abuse.

Based on the findings, recommendations are made. If followed, these recommendations would be useful to administrators and policy makers in curbing drug abuse in schools through improving existing educational programmes, and striving to develop ones that are even more efficient.

A part from proposing more effective preventive measures in relation to drug abuse, the study also provides a background for other studies in its prevention. This would help in promoting a drug-free environment, thus improving the standards of living in the country. In the absence of specific policies on substance abuse in schools this study makes important recommendations on the way forward.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Though the questions that led to this investigation existed throughout the nation, it is not feasible for this research to encompass all of these regions. This is because there is not enough time or resources (material and human) to collect data from every location where the research is being conducted. Therefore, the research will focus on some selected schools in Karu LGA, Nasarawa State.

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The study is limited by its scope focusing on a specific geographic area, potential recall bias in data collection, challenges in establishing direct causation, time constraints, susceptibility to social desirability bias, the representativeness of the sample, difficulties in generalizing findings, and resource constraints.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Drug use: The act of consuming substances, whether legal or illegal, for their psychoactive effects, including prescription medications, recreational drugs, and over-the-counter substances.

2. Drug abuse: The misuse or excessive use of substances, often leading to negative consequences such as physical or mental health problems, impaired social functioning, or legal issues.

3. Substance misuse: Any use of substances in a manner that deviates from prescribed or socially acceptable norms, encompassing both legal and illegal substances.

4. Psychoactive substances: Chemical compounds that affect brain function, leading to alterations in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior, including drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioids.

5. Peer pressure: Social influence exerted by one's peers to engage in behaviors, including drug use, that may be contrary to one's own values or best interests.

6. Addiction: A complex brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences, often accompanied by physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. 

7. Risk factors: Conditions or characteristics, such as genetic predisposition, environmental influences, or personal traits, that increase the likelihood of drug use or abuse among secondary school students.

8. Protective factors: Factors or conditions, such as supportive relationships, coping skills, or access to education and resources, that mitigate the risk of drug use or abuse and promote resilience among secondary school students.

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