Substance Use Prevention: Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Secondary School Workers in Enugu State

Abstract

The phase of adolescence holds significant importance as it marks a critical period for initiating habits that can have enduring effects. This is crucial in preventing avoidable illnesses and fatalities resulting from unfavorable health-related actions, like the use of substances. This current research was conducted to assess the understanding, perspectives, and actions of secondary school educators regarding the prevention of substance use among adolescents. This initiative seeks to identify factors that might impede the efficacy of substance use prevention programs within secondary educational institutions. Descriptive research design was carried out in three select secondary schools: Uwani Secondary School, Maryland Secondary School, and Federal Government College Enugu, in Enugu state. Ninety-two (92) participants were sampled using a multi-stage sampling technique. The self-administering questionnaire was used as a tool for data gathering. The filled questionnaires that met the criteria for analysis were coded into the computer using SPSS software and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in frequency and percentage. Knowledge of the attributes that increase the risk of adolescent substance use is poor at 88% of the respondents, while attitude and practice were fair. The knowledge of attitudes and practices of secondary school teachers in Enugu state on the preventive measures for substance use among adolescents is inadequate. Therefore, for effective intervention on substance use preventive strategies in adolescents, teachers and other workers in secondary schools should be equipped with adequate knowledge concerning substance use preventive practice. Keywords: Attitude; Enugu State; Knowledge; Practices; Substance use prevention; Secondary school workers.