Prevalence and patterns of psychoactive substance use among students of the College of Health Sciences of Osun State University, Osogbo

Abstract

Background: Concerns over the use of psychoactive substances by students in health sciences is growing. This study evaluated the prevalence and patterns of these substances among the learners in the college of health sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo.Methods: A multistage sampling technique was used to obtain 252 respondents for a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data were collected using a publicly accessible, and standardized questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in SPSS 27 with p<0.05.Results: The majority of the participants were between18 to 24 years with a mean age of 21.3 ± 0.92 years. The prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 17%, with alcohol being the most commonly consumed substance (17.9%). Majority of the respondentsnever abused psychoactive substances, a substantial proportion occasionally consumed alcohol (28.5%) and prescription drugs (37.3%), through different routes of administration (12.7%). The most identified factors influencing substance use were: curiosity 71(28.2%), stress (23.8%), and media influence (23.8%). Findings show a statistically significant association between the age of respondents and the prevalence of psychoactive substance use (X2=60.79; p=0.00). Additionally, a statistically significant association was found between the pattern of usage and prevalence of psychoactive substance use (X2=38.77; p=0.03).Conclusion: Psychoactive substance use among health sciences students was found to be of moderate prevalence, influenced by peer pressure, stress, media exposure, and age. These findings underscore the need for age-specific preventive interventions and targeted policies to safeguard students' academic performance and mental health. Universities should integrate structured counseling, mentorship and awareness programs into students support services to address psychoactive substance use and promote healthier coping strategies among health sciences undergraduate students.