Knowledge And Awareness With The Effects Of Misuse Of Narcotic Drug Among Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa

Project and Seminar Material for Sociology

Abstract

The study was designed to determine the knowledge and awareness with the effects of misuse of narcotic drug among male student in federal polytechnic offa. The study adopted a cross sectional descriptive survey design. Simple random sampling procedure was used to select Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa. A combined population of 2293 students made up the study population. The instrument for Data collection was a WHO Youth Drug Survey (WHOYDSQ) adapted questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was established using a test re-test and computed using Pearson Moment Correlation. Coefficient of 0.82 was obtained. Data generated was subjected to descriptive statistics. The prevalence of Narcotic Drug use among Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa shows that majority (91.1%) of the respondents have been using Narcotic Drugs. The commonest substances used were kola nut (87.4%), tobacco (15%) and cannabis (5.5%). more than half of the users of each of the substances take it occasionally, using them on one to five days in a month except kolanut taken on twenty or more days in a month. They include male (52.9%), female (47.1%). Majority (68.1%) of the respondents were between 18-20 years. Most of the respondents who use Narcotic Drugs were introduced by their friends (60.6%), family (27.6%) and by nobody (5.7%). Most (27.9%) first use kolanut at the age less than 10 years, alcoholic beverages at the age of 11-12years (25.6%) while others like tobacco, cannabis at 19-and above years (38.3%). Major reasons for using Narcotic Drug include to be sociable (25.4%) and for enjoyment (24.4%). In conclusion the prevalence of substance abuse among Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas is high as such Government, Parents and Teachers needs to joint hands and address the problems.

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

Narcotic Drug use and dependence cause a significant burden to the individuals and societies throughout the world. The World Health Report (2010) indicated that 8.9% of the total burden of disease comes from the use of Narcotic Drugs. The report showed that tobacco accounted for 4.1%, alcohol 4%, and illicit drugs 0.8% of the burden of disease in 2010. Much of the burden attributable to substance use and dependence is the result of a wide variety of health and social problems. Data from the (World Health Organization, 2013) show large-scale seizures of cocaine, heroin, cannabis and amphetamine-type stimulants in different parts of the world. Availability of cocaine, heroin and cannabis depends on the level of cultivation in source countries and on the success or failure of trafficking organizations. However, even with increased levels of law enforcement activities, there always seems to be enough available to users. According to (UNODC, 2011) estimates show that about 200 million people make illicit use of one type of illicit substance or another.

Narcotic Drug use is a social problem that has spread and increased rapidly in educational institutions especially among Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas (Neeraja, 2011). This social problem is considered an issue of serious concern as it adversely affects the lives and performance of students involved as well as the harmonious functioning of the entire structure of the society. Use of Narcotic Drug and other associated problems are inimical to the survival and effective functioning of human societies. A significant number of untimely deaths and accidents have been linked to the activities of persons under the influence of one psychoactive drug or the other (Shelly, 2010).

Drug abuse is viewed by different authorities in various forms. Neeraja (2011) defined substance abuse as the dependence on a drug or other chemical substances leading to the effect that are detrimental to the individual’s physical and mental health or the welfare of others. According to Smelzer, Bare, Hinkle, and Cheever (2018) substance abuse is a maladaptive pattern of drug use that causes physical and emotional harm with the potential for disruption of daily life. From these definitions, it can be deduced that substance abuse is the misuse of one or more drugs which could be prescribed by a health practitioner with the intention to alter the way one feels, thinks or behaves and it is associated with consequences which include physical and emotional harm to the person.

The African Symposium (2015) viewed substance abuse as the improper use or application of drugs by a person without proper knowledge of the drugs and without due prescription from a qualified medical practitioner. This definition focuses on Narcotic Drug. All drugs can be abused to an extent that it turns into addiction when the drug user is unable to stop the use of the drugs despite the harmful effects on the user’s social, personal and economic lives. The problem of substance abuse is so grave that though it was originally conceived as the problem of a ‘select few’, it has extended beyond the usual characteristics of abusers being males, adults and urban based people, to now include females, youngsters and rural dwellers (Rocha, 2009). These abusers erroneously believe that drugs enhance their performance, put them in good mood etc. The accompanying problems of this act constitute a major threat to the well- being of the society (Ajala, 2019).

The youths in Nigeria like many countries of the world are increasingly developing addiction to Narcotic Drugs. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA, 2011) collected drugs use and abuse data from schools, records of patients admitted at mental health institutions for drug problems and interview of persons arrested for drug offences. The resultshowed that youths constitute the high risk group for drug trafficking and abuse. Friends and school mates account for about 90% of the source of influence of the use and abuse of various Narcotic Drugs. In Nigeria, alcohol and cigarette are legal substances but, the two have been discovered to cause physical damage to human bodies. It has been reported that smoking tobacco causes 90.0% of lung cancer, 30.0% of all cancers, and 80.0% of other chronic lung diseases (Sale 2008). Apart from these health implications, according to Stephen (2010), alcohol and cigarette are said to be “gateway drugs” to other more potent Narcotic Drug like marijuana, heroin and cocaine.

The future of any community, society, state or nation is tied to the character of the adolescent in that particular place, area or locality. It is also said that “The youth are the leaders of tomorrow”. Therefore responsible youth in the society indicates responsible and brighter future of that society and also the reverse is the case.

In our society people are known to have had problems that had made them to adopt various measures to cope with such problems and live successfully within the confines of societal normative values. While some people take solace in lawful ways others resort to unlawful and unhealthy measures such as the use of drugs or Narcotic Drugs to the extent of abusing them, hence resulting in addiction. According to Edum (2016) the adolescent in our society are not left out in this, as they are either influenced by peer group while others do so because of the easy availability of the abused substances, others also watch on television and films and some read in books and so try to experiment to experience the effects. The effects of specific Narcotic Drug vary depending on their mechanism of action, the amount consumed and the history of the user among other factors.

An ugly fact that is with us in the recent time is road traffic accident related to Narcotic Drug use as well as increased crime rate in Nigeria, though a number of measures are put in place to check this menace. This includes the establishment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) through Degree 48 of 1989 and 33 of 1990. However, in spite of these measures people especially the adolescents continue to use Narcotic Drug illicitly with its attendant problems.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Substance use is not a strange phenomenon; the global, regional and national dimension of it are documented. It is in recognition of the complexity of the problem that 26th June of every year has been declared as the International Day Against Abuse and illicit trafficking by United Nations. In its June, 2003 report, the United Nations Children and Education Fund(UNICEF) stated that the problem of HIV/AIDS is inextricably connected to a range of problems, among which is drug abuse among children and young people. Similarly, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) pointed out that drug abuse among “area boys” in Nigeria has been reported as the cause of delinquent behaviours and crime.

The World Health Organization (WHO, 2014) believes that young people are more vulnerable to suffering physical, emotional and social harm from their own or other people’s drug use. It also identifies strong links between the high rate of drinking, violent sexual behaviour, traffic and other accidents and drug use. In relation to tobacco, World Health Organization also estimates that about 250 million children and adolescents who live in developing countries like Nigeria are likely to be killed by tobacco (Stephen, 2016).

The United Nations office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) partly attributes the prevalence of drug use in Nigeria to street hawking of drugs and pharmaceutical preparation. The prevalence rate of adolescent’s substance and drug abuse in our society poses a great concern to health care providers as some end up as addicts. According to NDLEA (2015) reports, Oyo State is the highest in terms of people arrested with the case of drug trafficking’ and suspected drug addicts (638 arrested suspects) followed by Katsina (411) and Rivers (347) etc.

In our society people are known to have had problems that had made them to adopt various measures to cope with such problems and live successfully within the confines of societal normative values. While some people take solace in lawful ways others resort to unlawful and unhealthy measures such as the use of drugs or Narcotic Drugs to the extent of abusing them, hence resulting in addiction. According to Edum (2016) the adolescent in our society are not left out in this, as they are either influenced by peer group while others do so because of the easy availability of the abused substances, others also watch on television and films and some read in books and so try to experiment to experience the effects. Several studies have shown the effects of Narcotic Drug varing from one another depending on their mechanism of action, the amount consumed and the history of the user among other factors. It is against this background that the study aims at highlighting and identifying problem and prospect of prevalence of Narcotic Drug among young people.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The main purpose of the study is to determine the knowledge and awareness with the effects of misuse of narcotic drug among male student in federal polytechnic Offa. The Specific Objectives are to

Identify the characteristics of students who use identified substances
Establish the prevalence of Narcotic Drug among the Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa.
Identify the patterns of Narcotic Drug among the Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa.
Identify the substances commonly used by the Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa
Identify the sources of influence of drug use among Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas
Determine the age of onset of Narcotic Drug among Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa
Identify the reasons why Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas use drugs

1.4 Research Questions

What are the characteristics of students who abuse drugs?
What is the prevalence rate of Narcotic Drug use among the Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa, ?
What are the patterns of Narcotic Drug among male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas?
What are the substances commonly used by the male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas?
What are the sources of influence of drug use among Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa?
What is the age of onset of Narcotic Drug among Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa?
What are the reasons male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas used drugs?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The present study will reveal the prevalence, pattern, types and sources of Narcotic Drugs used by secondary school children. It will also reveal the characteristics of the students who use drugs and the problems students encounter as a result of drug use. These findings are essential as they will help in understanding the overall social, academic and drug problems of the students and youth in Oyo State.

This finding would be useful to the parents, teachers, police and the drug law enforcement agency (NDLEA) as well as other bodies concerned with checking drug abuse problems in Ogbomoso area of Oyo State and Nigeria at large. The findings will provide a source of reference for intervention programmes in Oyo State.

It is also hoped that the findings of this study will be useful for social monitoring and alerting people to the signs of Narcotic Drug so as to enable early diagnosis and treatment of affected persons. It will also assist in planning of preventive strategies for Narcotic Drug in our secondary schools across the country.

The finding of this study will be useful to future researchers on the topic, as they will build on the strength and limitations of the study. And the finding of the study may spur them to form anti-Narcotic Drug use clubs and associations. The activities of these groups can reach the wider society and will assist in curbing the menace of substance abuse in Ogbomoso, Oyo State and the country at large. The present study wills no doubt, spur interest for further studies.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is delimited to on Government Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa of Oyo State. The study will be delimited to prevalence and pattern of Narcotic Drug use among Government male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

Narcotic Drug: This refers to any substance which may be a drug or not but has the property of altering the mood in form of stimulation or distortion of perception.
Narcotic Drug use refers to the use of any substance which may be drugs or not that has the property of altering the mood in form of stimulation or distortion of perception
Drug Abuse- refers to the illegal or excessive drug use; deliberate use of an illegal drug or of too much of a prescribed drugs
Prevalence of Narcotic Drug use: refers to the proportion of a population found to have used a Narcotic Drug or drugs.
Pattern of Narcotic Drug use: Is the process addicts use which include Modes of Taking, frequencies and Style of Narcotic Drug abuse etc
Source of influence: Those factors that introduce student to the drugs or Narcotic Drug
e.g peer group, family etc.
Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas: Are students in the second phase of secondary education of 6-3-3-4 education system in Nigeria who finishes primary school.
Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas refers to the students in SSI, SSII and SSIII of secondary school education system in Nigeria.
Non Medical drug use this is improper or illegal use of drugs or taking it in excessive doses without any medical reasons.

Chapter Five

This chapter presents the discussion of the major findings, implication of major findings, limitation of the study, summary of the study, conclusion, recommendations and suggestion for further studies.

Discussion of Major Findings

The major findings from the study were discussed with respect to the specific objectives, research questions and hypothesis set for the study in relation to findings from previous related studies. The discussion was done under research questions for better understanding.

Prevalence rate of Narcotic Drug use

The result indicates that most of the respondents have taken one or more substances and according to the finding kolanut is the most widely used substance both for current use, lifetime use and past year used. The overall prevalence of Narcotic Drug use was 10.3% for current use and 14.1% for life time use.

The above results agree with the study carried out by Ekott (2005) that more students from Oyo use one substance or the other mostly kolanut and other Narcotic Drugs, It is in conformity with the survey conducted by Kwada (2007), which found that most of Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas in northern Kaduna has used an illegal drugs at least once in their life and most of senior secondary schools students in Kafanchan have used drugs and alcohol.

Narcotic Drug use is a social problem that has spread and increased rapidly in educational institutions especially among Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas. This social problem is considered an issue of serious concern as it adversely affects the lives and performance of students involved as well as the harmonious functioning of the entire structure of the society. Use of Narcotic Drug and other associated problems are inimical to the survival and effective functioning of human societies.

Commonly used Narcotic Drugs

The substance most commonly used by the student is kolanut follow by Tobacco product and then caffeine and cannabis the least is cocaine. The most frequently consumed Narcotic Drug by the respondents is kolanuts. This is because kolanut has several roles in social functions such as marriage ceremony, naming ceremony and other festivals in Hausa land. As such it is highly socially recognized. Another reason for kolanut use is its ability to increase mental activity and alertness to keeping the respondents awake and alert (Karch, 2012). Cigarette another highly addictive stimulant was consumed by the respondents, Cigarette also makes the consumer to concentrate and at the same time it is used to belong to peer group or imitate other adults they admire. Both cigarette and kolanut are cheaper and readily available

This agreed with a study by Abasiobong, Atting, Bassey and Ekott, (2015). Result shows that more student from uyo 37 (31.1%) used kola nuts, 54(45.4%) used sedative while more students from Eket, 47(34.8%) used tobacco cigrattes, 76(56.3%) used alcohol, 25(15.6%) indian hemp,5(3.7%) used cocaine and 1(0.7%) used heroine. The finding of this study confirms the presence and use of Narcotic Drugs in varying proportions among students.
In other studies by Idris and Sambo (2005). The result shows that most Students use one or more substance or the other.

In another study carried out by Azaiza, Shoham , Bar-Ham, Burger, Abu-Ash . The result indicates that 20% consumed alcohol in the past year and 10% uses illegal substances of various types. These findings provide an indication of the extent of substance use among Druze secondary Students.

This is in conformity with the studies conducted by Eneh and Stanley (2004The commonly used drugs were alcohol, kolanut, tobacco/cigarettes, in order of decreasing frequency 651 (65%), 611 (63.1%) and 595 (61%). The least used was cocaine 45 (4.3%) while no student used any hallucinogen.

In a similar study conducted by Eneh & Stanley (2004) the result shows that, the commonly used Narcotic Drug were kolanut alcohol and tobacco/cigarettes in order of decreasing frequency 65%, 63% and 61%.

Marijuana is another commonly used substances often reported, this is likely due to its sedative effects, mental slowness, tiredness, anxiety, paranoia and euphoria. It was warns that long term effects of marijuana used leads to subtle and selective impairments of a specific higher cognitive function, and impairs driving skills.

The respondents reported using rubber solution and petroleum. These substances are dilirients which produces mind altering effects by depressing the central nervous system. Their effects are capable of claiming the life of an individual. Damage to the central nervous system can affect the mental and physical capabilities of the users.

Patterns of Narcotic Drug use.

The results shows that among the current users of the substances more than half of the users of each of the substances take it occasionally, using them on 1-5 day in a month except amphetamines or other stimulant like kolanut. On the other hand almost one quarter of users of each of the substances take it on 20 or more days in a month.

The above result agrees with Shuttlewarth (2015) that most people Narcotic Drug in different ways. Some smoke tobacco, Indian hemp and chew kolanut. In a similar study conducted by Eneh and Stanley (2004). The commonly used drugs were alcohol, kolanut, tobacco/cigarettes, in order of decreasing frequency. The least used was cocaine while no student used any hallucinogen. There were significant sex differences in the use of morphine, petrol, latex (glue) and cocaine. They were used by boys only. Cannabis, kolanut and tobacco were also significantly more commonly used by boys. According to their finding the commonly used drugs among females were alcohol and hypnosedatives respectively. The use of cocaine, petrol/latex (glue), cannabis, morphine/ pethidine and hyponsedative were more likely to have commenced in the secondary schools than the use of kolanut and alcohol which started earlier in life due to parental and cultural influences. This means that some Narcotic Drugs are consumed orally. Marijuana and alcohol are also taken orally. However rubber solution and petroleum are vehicle chemical substances and hence can be sniffed.

Characteristics of students who abused substances

The results presented reveals that male respondents in this study were majority follow by female were. Majority of them are within age range of 18-20 years. This indicates that majority of them are adolescent and this is the major age of male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas. Also this is a sensitive period of an individual life risk for abusing substance. Usually young boys & females at this age learnt positive or negative behavior. Majority of the respondents are from SSS3 then SSS2 and the least are from SSS1. Majority of the respondents live with their parents or other relatives while the rest live with their friend. Majority of respondents Father highest level of Education were secondary school or high then university or post secondary school. Some of respondents fathers have not done formal school. Majority of respondent mothers attended secondary school and have no formal schooling. Few of them attended university or post secondary school. This is because formal education was not formally accepted among Hausa Northerners especially in the past years.

In Similar studies carried out by Effanga (2003). Majority were from low socio economic level while few were from high and average socio-economic levels. The main finding revealed that socio-economic status of students has no significant influence on students rate of drug abuse

Source of influences of drug use

According to the studies. Majority of the respondents were introduced to drugs use by friends. Other notable source of introduction to drug use are family members . According to (Agwogie, 2013) friends are one of the most significant reasons why people start abusing drugs. Members of the peer group are deceived into believing that drugs are used to solve emotional problems. They take it initially to enjoy, to relax and to be more sociable.

In other studies by Idris and Sambo(2015). The result shows that most use one or more substance or the other. The commonest push factor is to experiment and also shows statistically significant relationship between family background and psychoactive used.

According to (Agwogie, 2012) “cases have been reported of the children who started abusing drugs by snatching the drugs from either their mothers or their fathers.For parents who smoke cigarette, the children start with the remnant dropped by their father. From there they graduated to removing cigarette sticks from their father pack.

Before you know it the child had started smoking cannabis, the social acceptance of the offending substance is a key issue in substance use. Hanson (2010) noted that teen smoking accounts for 85-90% of new smokers. Increasing evidence have shown that young people learn not only from real people (such as friend, parents and family members) but also from characters whose live they witness and admit through the media. This agree with Peer Cluster theory by Oetting and Beauvais, 1986; Swaim, 1998; Oetting, Edwards, Kelly, & Beauvais, 1997. Stressing the importance of peer relationships in influencing character, the peer cluster theory suggests that peers have a direct influence of adolescent drug use

Age of onset of substance use

Majority of the respondents first used stimulant (kolanut) at the age of less than 10yrs, alcoholic beverage at the age of 11-12years while others Narcotic Drug like tobacco, cannabis cocaine, hallucinogen, tranquilizers and sedative at the age of 15 -19years

This studies agree with the one conducted by Eneh and Stanley (2014) which shows that majority start using one of the substances at the age ranges mostly between 10-14 years.

It doesn’t matter at which age somebody can take kolanut in Hausa land. According to Agwogie (2012) drug use may be initiated at any age but mostly initiated at adolecent age (11-18 years) it is not unlikely that one started abusing drug within this age range. This stage of life naturally is the period of adventure, excitement, and provide a new thrill to young people. This possibly exposes one to the danger of experimenting with drugs.

Reasons for use of Narcotic Drugs

The findings show that among the respondents, the major reasons for using drugs include to be sociable and for enjoyment. Religious and customs is the least considered for the reason for Narcotic Drug use. Other include Curiosity, treatment of health disorder, relief of psychological stress, relief of cold, hunger or fatique, to be accepted by others and to improve walk performance. According (Agwogie, 2012,) most abusers possibly started abusing illicit drugs after taking social drugs like alcohol, cigarette and kolanut. They are also called gate way drugs. The desire for a “better feel” possibly made them to go for more dangerous substances of abuse.

In similar studies conducted by Eneh and Stanley (2014). The common reasons were to relieve stress, feel good and parental influence in decreasing frequency. The least was to sleep. Among those that used alcohol, the common reasons for the use of alcohol were to relieve stress, to feel good, parental influence and availability. The various reasons for using kolanuts were to keep awake, parental influence, and availability. Kolanut was the only substance used to keep awake. The common reasons for the use of tobacco/cigarette were to relieve stress, school friends’ influence, and to feel good. Some of the students had no reason for the use of cigarettes. Only drugs like cannabis, petrol, latex (glue), cocaine and tobacco/ cigarette were used by a few students to enhance sex’.

Summary of the Study

The study was designed to determine prevalence and patterns of drugs abuse in Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa. Literature were reviewed in the areas of specific Narcotic Drug and problems associated with their use. Other areas reviewed also were causes of Narcotic Drug use, Laws and policies on Narcotic Drug use and some empirical studies. Data were collected using WHO Youth Drug Survey questionnaire and the information obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistic.

The findings of the study reveals that, the male respondents constituted 1036(52.9%)while the female were 921(47.1%) of the sample. Their age ranges were 15 – 23yrs and the respondents comprises male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offas in SS1, SS2, SS3, respectively and the schools were government secondary schools in Ogbomoso. Majority of the respondents live with their parents and other relatives.632(32%). Majority of the respondents fathers highest education level was secondary school or higher school. Majority of the respondents 1035(52.9%) had their mothers highest education level as secondary school.

The study reveals that most widely used Narcotic Drugs were kola nut, 1783(91.1%) for both current use, past year use and lifetime use. Other commonly used psychoachive substances were tobacco product 303(15.5%,) cannabis 107(5.5%,), alcoholic beverages 82(4.2%), caffeine 133(6.8%), sniffing substances to get high 127(6.5% )and others like gadagi, kwaya and smooth 703(35.9%.) In the same vein heroine is least used substances. Also the study shows that among the current users of the substances more than half of the users of each of the substances take it occasionally. Majority of the respondents fisrt used kola nut at the age less than 10 years, alcoholic beverages at the age of 11-12 years while others at the age of 15-19 years. 467(60%) of the respondents were introduced to drug abuse by influence of friends, other notable introduction to drug abuse is family members 213(27.6 %.) The major reasons for using drugs abuse include to be sociable 342(25.4%) and for enjoyment 329(24.4%).

Conclusion

The Study has established Prevalence and the Patterns of Narcotic Drug use among Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offae. Two schools were used one for males and the other for females respectively.

The study has also revealed that Narcotic Drug commonly used by student include kolanuts, cigarette, marijuana, rubber solution and alcohol. The finding reveals that most of the respondents were influence by friends and some relatives and their major reasons in indulging in drug abuse is to be sociable and some for enjoyment. Oral and Sniffing were the two major route used by the respondents.

The study further shows that, it is difficult for the respondent to get most of the abused drug and they never approved people of less than 18 years to abuse drugs.

Limitation of the Study

The study was delimited to government secondary schools Dala only. It could not be extended to other private institutions due to time constraints and limited resources.

Recommendation

There should be education of parents on adjustment process of their children
Also political, religious and traditional leaders need to be involved in educating the public against this menace.
There is also need for an intervention by the government and non government organizations on preventive strategies of drug abuse. Government should ensure the enforcement of anti Narcotic Drug laws. Government should be encouraged to established drug treatment centre in our hospitals. Also more health worker should be trained on how to identify addicts, prevent and treat victims of drug abuse and also to educate the public
The media should continue to give publicity on Narcotic Drug use and its consequences.
Family should be encouraged to monitor the behavior of their children especially adolescent one. Also there should be collaboration between teachers and parents on monitoring strategies of the Male Student In Federal Polytechnic Offa both at home and in schools.

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