Perception of Substance Abuse Amongst Adolescents and Young Adults in Ikenne Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria

Substance abuse describes the unsafe use of psychoactive substances. It leads to dependence on the abused substance with subsequent development of health disorders and mortality. Globally, millions of adolescents and young adults from low and middle income countries are prone to substance abuse with consequent far reaching impact on national development. This study was done to assess the perception of substance abuse amongst the adolescents and young adults in Ikenne local government area, Ogun State, Nigeria. A cross sectional descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Information was gathered via nine focus group discussions. Systematic Analysis of data was done. Ninety-three youths (31 males and 62 females) aged 19.5 ± 3.9 years participated. Majority of the participants showed high level of awareness on substance abuse and its effects. They stated that it was commonplace in the community, with peer pressure being the major influencing factor. Alcohol was perceived to be the commonest abused substance. Others include cigarettes, marijuana and codeine. None were aware of existing laws against substance abuse. The major factor responsible for the negative perception in the abuse of substance was peer influence and low level of awareness of the National regulations on substance abuse. It is recommended that more education, increase in awareness of the national regulations and peer-modelling technique should be strengthened within the community to correct the negative perception by these group of people.