Pattern of psychoactive substance use in the northern region of Nigeria

Recent events in Nigeria seem to suggest that young people are being indoctrinated and used under the influence of psychoactive substances to perpetrate various crimes including terrorism. There is need to examine and control use of these substances in order to prevent escalation of these social maladies. The purpose of this study was to assess the pattern of psychoactive substance use among inmates at Kiru Rehabilitation Centre, Kano in the North Central Region of Nigeria, to determine the extent of their involvement. A total of 148 male inmates completed a modified form of 117-item self-report instrument based on the World Health Organization guidelines for students’ substance-use surveys. The mean age of the inmates was 23.7±3.9 years. A total of 58.9% had primary school and below level of education; 14.9% were school dropped-out; 29.1% unemployed; while 65.9% were engaged in menial jobs. The lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 47.4%.Current use prevalence of more than one substance was 54.6%. Ready available substances were consumed more and the potent habit-forming ones like Cocaine and Heroin were used more than alcohol. Uses of inhalants were also on the increase. Reasons for use of substances were ready availability, feeling high, enhancing performance and unidentified personal problems. This study has shown that psychoactive substances are commonly used and abused, especially among the uneducated youths in the Northern part of Nigeria. There is need for massive enlightenment campaigns to increase awareness and strategies aimed at discouraging youths from indulging in substances.Key Words: Alcohol; Psychoactive substances; Youths; Northern Nigeri

A Comparative Study of Pattern of Substance Use in Two Nigerian Cities Located in the Southern and Northern Nigeria

The study compared the pattern of substance use in two cities, Uyo and Kiru in the Southern and Northern Nigeria respectively, to determine the level of involvement among youths. A total of 338 male inmates, 190 from Uyo and 148 from Kano completed a modified form of 117-item self-report instrument based on the World Health Organization guidelines for students’ substance-use surveys. Data from 320 (94.7%), comprising 179 (94.2%) from Uyo and 141 (95.23%) from Kiru were analyzed; 18 ((5.3%) were discarded due to incomplete information. The mean age of inmates from Uyo was 26.3±2.7 years and Kiru 23.7±3.9 years. The lifetime  prevalence of alcohol/substance use was more in Uyo than Kiru (47.4% vs. 33.7%; p=0.002); but current use prevalence of more than one substance was (48.3% vs. 54.6%; p=0.340). The use of alcohol in various forms washigh in Uyo, compared to inhalants, sleeping drugs, cough syrup in Kiru. Cigarettes and Indian hemp were high in both cities. Reasons for use were similar. This study has shown that substance use cuts across all boundaries in Nigeria. Therefore, efforts must be made to strengthen measures aimed at controlling the use, in order to prevent amplifications of social and  health hazards.Key words: Alcohol; Psycoactive substances; Use; Inmates; Localit