DRUG ABUSE: PERCEPTION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KWARE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Nowadays, drug abuse is a significant problem affecting young people and adults, especially at schools. It has been disruptive on education of many. The main objective of this study is to evaluate perception of secondary school students in Kware Local Government, Sokoto State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 200 secondary school students Nigeria was carried put. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of drug use as submitted by the respondents unveiled that, out of 200 respondents, 77.5 % are not using drugs (tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol), 14.0% are using tobacco, 5.0% are using marijuana, and 3.5% are using alcohol or syrup.  The frequency of drug use was also stated, out of 200 respondents, majority (60.5%) never used drugs, and 3.8% rarely use drugs, 4.0% use drugs monthly, 10.0% use drugs weekly, and 22.2% use drugs daily. The reasons for drug abuse were: 40.0% to relax, 31.0% for other reasons, 10.0% for fun, 10.0% for enhancing performance, and 9.0% use drugs to escape.  On knowledge and attitude toward drugs, out of the 200 respondents, majority (60.0%) of them said they know a lot of effects of drug, 30.5% know little about effects of drugs, and 9.5% know nothing concerning drugs effects.  When asked on whether drug abuse is problematic? 90.0% of the 200 respondents said “Yes” and 10.0% said “No.”  Therefore, drug education at schools and community levels may help significantly in curbing drug abuse among young students.