First detailed characterization of prevalence of substance use among secondary school students in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Background The prevalence of substance use among secondary school children in Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria, is unknown. Objective To provide comprehensive prevalence estimates of substance use and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Nasarawa, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional, multi-stage survey was conducted among 1,600 students in 26 schools. Students completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding socio-demographics and substance use habits. The questionnaire was adapted from two standardized questionnaires. Result Of the 1,518 who completed the questionnaire, there were more boys (51.3%) than girls. Most were 16–18 years (55.3%), attending non-residential (70%), private (54.4%), and mixed-sex schools (79.3%). Most were Christians (83.4%) and from monogamous families (73.2%). The prevalence of ever tried cigarette smoking was 14.8%, marijuana (13.6%), and inhalants (12.9%). Students &gt; 18 years old were more likely to ever try cigarette smoking (aOR 1.88, 95%CI 0.99–3.58), tried during last 12 months (aOR 2.29, 95%CI 1.18–4.46), and tried during last 30 days (aOR 2.41, 95%CI 1.12–4.84) than those &lt; 16 years. Students whose either parent smoked were more likely to ever try cigarette smoking (aOR 9.9, 95%CI 6.95–14.23), marijuana (aOR 9.74, 95%CI 6.78–13.99), inhalants (aOR 7.27, 95%CI 5.04–10.50), and other psychoactive substances (aOR 9.25, 995%CI 6.53–13.11) than students whose parents did not smoke. Other determinants of substance use were being a Muslim, attending non-residential public school, from a polygamous family, and living with unmarried parents. Conclusion Secondary school students in Nasarawa State exhibit variable substance use behaviors, influenced by socio-demographic factors, requiring consideration in substance use interventions.