Prevalence Of Substance Abuse Research Articles

Prevalence and Consequences of Substance Abuse among Undergraduates in Ilorin Metropolis

This study investigated the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse among undergraduates in Kwara State. The study examines whether or not moderating variables such as age, gender and family type would influence the respondents’ view on the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse among Undergraduates in Kwara State. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents from each of the three selected institutions. Thus, a total of 180 respondents participated in the study. A researcher-developed questionnaire titled "Prevalence and Consequences of Substance Abuse Questionnaire (PCSAQ)" was used to collect data for the study, using a t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the prevalent substances among undergraduates in Kwara State are cigarettes, alcohol, and tobacco among others. The findings also revealed that the consequences of substance abuse among undergraduates in Kwara State are low self-esteem, dropping out of school, and social isolation (i.e. Poor relationships with others) among others. The findings of this study also revealed that there was no significant difference in the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse among undergraduates based on age and family type. However, a significant difference was found in the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse based on gender. Based on the findings, it was recommended 1) that undergraduate students should be properly oriented by the counsellors on the dangers associated with substance abuse at the beginning of their academic year, 2) seminars and workshops should be provided by counsellors so that students would be informed about the consequences of substance abuse, 3) education should be properly structured and provided to students by school counsellor and parents at the early stage of development and 4) counsellors should organize seminars on the prevalence and consequences of substance abuse on the health of individual.

The Peer Group Effect on Drug Abuse and Academic Performance Among University Student

The drug problem is one of the most complex problems in the world, and hardly any society is devoid of it, whether in developed or developing countries. It threatens students' social, economic, and educational life at all levels. Saudi Arabia like the other countries faces drug spread among the youth. This study aims to assess the role of peer group effect on drug abuse and academic performance among university students in the Hawtat Bani Tamim. The study adopts the questionnaire as a tool for collecting data. The sample size of the study was 121 participants from university students. The study adopted descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results of the study found that the prevalence of drug abuse among university students was 8.3. There is a significant relationship between drug abuse and several factors under investigation. Notably, there were notable connections identified between drug abuse and age, the availability of drugs, and parental influence status. Also, the result showed that drug abuse delays graduation and absence from university. Peer group pressure influences drug abuse among students and plays a crucial role in drug abuse among university students. The study recommends providing programs that encourage students to quit drug abuse.

Psychometric Synthesis of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) Versions

Problem Statement Among individuals aged 12 years or older, 14.3% (40.0 million) reporting the use of an illicit drug in the previous year. Given the prevalence of drug abuse, it is increasingly important to determine effective screening practices, treatment procedures, and best practices among various subpopulations to identify drug use-related consequences. The DAST is one of the most commonly used and accurate drug screening tests. Method This psychometric synthesis of four versions of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10, DAST-20, DAST-28, DAST-A) provided aggregated evidence from 346 articles over 40 years of published literature for score reliability, structure, diagnostic, and convergent validity, and descriptive statistics, all with the goal of informing counseling and medical practice and research. Results Results indicated adequate internal consistency (α = 0.81–0.84 across all four versions) and mostly medium to large effect size convergent correlations with comparison measures. Aggregated diagnostic validity data indicate optimal cutoff scores of 7 for DAST-10, 8 for DAST-20, 10 for DAST-28, and 6 for DAST-A. Discussion The DAST-10 appears the best choice for practical and psychometric reasons. Additional studies of the various DAST versions are needed to expand use across participant demographics. Public Statement of Relevance Drug use continues to be a societal problem and mental health practitioners need effective screening practices, treatment procedures, and best practices among various subpopulations to identify drug use-related consequences. This study synthesized 40 years of research on the four versions of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10, DAST-20, DAST-28, DAST-A) and found acceptable levels of score reliability and validity for screening purposes.

Psychosis and Homicide: A Forensic Study of Individuals with Schizophrenia (Experience of the University Psychiatric Hospital Arrazi Sale)

Objective: This study aims to analyze the sociodemographic, clinical, and criminological characteristics of patients with schizophrenia who commit homicide, providing insights into critical risk factors and informing future interventions. Methods: We examined a sample of patients with schizophrenia who committed homicide, assessing variables such as age, gender, marital status, education level, psychiatric history, substance abuse, clinical characteristics, and details of the homicide act. Results: The majority of patients were male (85%), over 30 years old (70%), and single (65%), with a lower level of education (75%). A high prevalence of psychiatric history (85%) and substance abuse (70%) was observed. Delusions of persecution were present in 65% of the patients at the time of the act. Most homicides involved weapons (40%) or physical force (30%), with family members or acquaintances being the most frequent victims (90%). Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of integrated treatment approaches addressing both psychiatric symptoms and substance abuse. Targeted interventions for managing close personal relationships are crucial in preventing homicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia. Future research should focus on developing standardized risk assessment procedures and exploring long-term outcomes of comprehensive care strategies to enhance public safety.

Psychosis and Homicide: A Forensic Study of Individuals with Schizophrenia (Experience of the University Psychiatric Hospital Arrazi Sale)

Objective: This study aims to analyze the sociodemographic, clinical, and criminological characteristics of patients with schizophrenia who commit homicide, providing insights into critical risk factors and informing future interventions. Methods: We examined a sample of patients with schizophrenia who committed homicide, assessing variables such as age, gender, marital status, education level, psychiatric history, substance abuse, clinical characteristics, and details of the homicide act. Results: The majority of patients were male (85%), over 30 years old (70%), and single (65%), with a lower level of education (75%). A high prevalence of psychiatric history (85%) and substance abuse (70%) was observed. Delusions of persecution were present in 65% of the patients at the time of the act. Most homicides involved weapons (40%) or physical force (30%), with family members or acquaintances being the most frequent victims (90%). Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of integrated treatment approaches addressing both psychiatric symptoms and substance abuse. Targeted interventions for managing close personal relationships are crucial in preventing homicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia. Future research should focus on developing standardized risk assessment procedures and exploring long-term outcomes of comprehensive care strategies to enhance public safety.

Patterns and sociodemographic characteristics of substance abuse among hepatitis C virus-infected patients in Iraq: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSubstance use disorders are a widely recognized problem among hepatitis C-infected patients; moreover, substance abuse by intravenous injection is a common mode of transmission of the hepatitis C virus worldwide. The frequency of substance use disorders and their relation to hepatitis C infection are still unknown in Iraq. This cross-sectional study, conducted among a sample of hepatitis C- infected patients attending the Gastrointestinal Tract Center in Baghdad Medical City, aimed to examine the prevalence of substance use disorders, the sociodemographic characteristics of the abusers, and the relation between intravenous drug abuse and hepatitis C virus infection. All participants were subjected to an Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) questionnaire and a data form to determine sociodemographic characteristics and hepatitis C virus-related risk factors.ResultsIn a total of 300 hepatitis C virus-infected patients, the prevalence of substance use disorders was 53.6%. Among these patients, 43.6% abused nicotine, 6% abused licit drugs, and 4% abused alcohol. No one reported illicit drug abuse. Intravenous drug abuse was rare, and there was no relationship found between intravenous drug abuse and hepatitis C infection. Cupping (23%) and blood transfusion (20.3%) were both significantly associated with hepatitis C transmission in this study (p > 0.001).ConclusionThis study revealed a high prevalence (53.6%) of substance abuse in this sample of hepatitis C-infected patients, with nicotine being the most commonly abused substance. However, there was no relationship between hepatitis C infection and intravenous drug abuse. Common risk factors that might contribute to hepatitis C transmission among this population include cupping and blood transfusion.

Knowledge and prevalence of substance abuse among undergraduate students of a Nigerian university

Knowledge and prevalence of substance abuse among undergraduate students of a Nigerian university

The impact of public health policies on reducing tobacco and substance abuse among the community

Public health policies have significantly impacted the reduction of tobacco and substance abuse within communities. Legislative measures, including increased taxation on tobacco products, comprehensive smoking bans, and restrictions on advertising, have been instrumental in decreasing smoking rates and protecting non-smokers from second-hand smoke. Community-based interventions, such as school-based programs and peer-led initiatives, address the root causes of substance abuse by promoting education, social support, and healthy behaviors, tailored to meet the specific needs of local populations, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness. Public awareness campaigns leveraging mass media and educational efforts play a crucial role in changing social norms and attitudes towards tobacco and substance use. Campaigns like the "truth" campaign and programs such as life skills training (LST) have shown significant success in reducing smoking and substance use among adolescents and young adults. Integrating these campaigns with other strategies enhances their impact, creating a comprehensive approach to public health. A multifaceted strategy combining legislative action, community engagement, and public education is crucial for achieving sustained reductions in tobacco and substance abuse. Continued investment in these areas is necessary to address evolving challenges and ensure long-term public health benefits. Coordinated efforts involving diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, and community organizations, are essential for effectively combating tobacco and substance abuse. By fostering collaboration and leveraging local resources, communities can create supportive environments that discourage harmful behaviors and promote healthier lifestyles. These comprehensive strategies demonstrate that a well-rounded approach, incorporating legislative measures, community-based interventions, and public awareness campaigns, is effective in mitigating the prevalence of tobacco and substance abuse, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Prevalence of Substance Abuse and Its Impact on Senior Citizens in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

In recent years, drug abuse has been a major source of concern in Nigeria and other part of the globe. This concern is associated is associated with the enormous effect potency of drug abuse on perpetrators. The above scenario stimulated the researchers to examine the prevalence and impact of drug abuse among senior citizens in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the social learning theory and survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised of senior citizens in Jalingo, Taraba State. Findings of the study unraveled that there is a prevalence of drug abuse among senior citizens in Jalingo. Furthermore, it was also found that alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among senior citizens in Jalingo. Based on the revelation, the study recommend among other things the need for consistent awareness, counselling and support to senior citizens that are addicted to drug abuse.

Unraveling substance abuse among Malawian street children: A qualitative exploration.

This qualitative study adopts a phenomenological and symbolic interactionist approach to comprehensively explore substance abuse among street children in Lilongwe, Malawi. The research aims to uncover the complex sociocultural, economic, and environmental determinants influencing substance abuse within this marginalized cohort. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews, the study engages with street children to understand their subjective experiences, perceptions, and interpretations of substance abuse within their community context. Employing convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling strategies, the research collected data from street children, acknowledging their transient nature and societal challenges. Thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts to derive comprehensive insights. Results revealed five key thematic areas: familial absence and emotional void, societal normalization and peer pressure, economic hardships, coping mechanisms, environmental accessibility, and peer influence and belongingness. These themes highlighted the intricate interplay between personal experiences, socio-environmental factors, and peer dynamics, shaping the prevalence and persistence of substance abuse among street children. This study's implications for practice underscore the need for tailored interventions and support mechanisms addressing substance abuse within this demographic. It emphasizes the urgency for context-specific strategies and policy formulations aimed at ameliorating the challenges faced by street children dealing with substance abuse in Malawi. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of substance abuse among marginalized street children, advocating for compassionate and contextually sensitive interventions within this overlooked drug abusers' population subset.

Association of Cannabinoid-receptor 1 gene with Chronic Polysubstance Use among Nigerian Male Commercial Motor Vehicle drivers

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of psychoactive substance abuse and association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in Cannabinoid-Receptor 1 (CNR1) gene with chronic polysubstance use among the Nigerian male commercial vehicle drivers selected from the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. A-10-Panel Generic Multi Drug Urine Dip Card Test Kit was used in the study and four SNPs (rs2023239, rs806378, rs806379 and rs806381)in CNR1 were genotyped in 60 subjects (20 drivers from each ethnic group) by using Sequenom MassARRAY Genotyping System. The four target SNPs revealed the following genotypes namely rs2023239: CC (20%), CT (40%), TT (40%); rs806378: CC (100%); rs806379: AA (20%), AT (50%), TT (30%); rs806381: AA (50%), GA (50%) in cases among the Hausa drivers. However, among the Igbo drivers, the four target SNPs showed the following genotypes namely rs2023239: CC (20%), CT (40%), TT (40%); rs806378: CC (80%) CT (20%); rs806379: AA (10%), AT (50%), TT (40%) and rs806381: AA (30%), GA (70%) in cases. Additionally, the target SNPs also revealed the following genotypes namely rs2023239: CC (30%), CT (30%), TT (40%); rs806378: CC (90%), CT (10%); rs806379: AA (10%), AT (60%), TT (30%) and rs806381: AA (70%), GA (20%), GG (10%) in cases among the Yoruba drivers. The SNPs rs2023239, rs806378 and rs806381 were significantly linked with polysubstance and chronic cannabis use in the sample population (Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba) (p˂0.05). The SNP rs806379 associated significantly with polysubstance and chronic cannabis use in the Igbo drivers only (p˂0.05). Conclusively, this study provides probably the first data on the association of CNR1genetic polymorphism with chronic polysubstance use among Nigerian male commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Epidemiology of Substance Abuse Among the Youths in Makueni County, Kenya

Introduction: Majority of youths all over the world ignorantly rely on one or more types of drugs for their everyday activities, including Mandrax, Cocaine, Tobacco, Heroine, Khat, Morphine, Alcohol, Amphetamines, Ephedrine, and Glue among others. This study’s purpose was to evaluate the epidemiology of substance abuse among the youths in Makueni County, Kenya. The broad objectives that guided the study was; to determine the epidemiology of substance abuse among the youths in Makueni County, Kenya. Methodology: -A Cross-sectional mixed-method study design was undertaken, with the target population consisting of all youths from Makueni County's eight main marketplaces. Purposive sampling was employed to obtain the 8 Major urban centres while simple random selection approach was employed to obtain respondents in each market. Qualitative data was collected using 8 key informants to supplement the quantitative data collected from the youths. A self-administered questionnaire was employed. Quantitative data was analysed using Descriptive as well as inferential statistics while qualitative narrative data was grouped into themes and was presented inform of texts with verbatim quotes used to amplify the voice of the informants. Results: The study sampled 384 respondents from Makueni County. Prevalence of Drug/Substance abuse stood at 62.3 % with alcohol (58.3%) being the most commonly abused drug/Substance. Hard Drugs were the least abused with 96.9% reporting they had never abused. Pearson correlation between gender, age and education level on prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni showed a weak positive relationship(r=0.032), weak negative relationship (r=-0.064) and a significant negative relationship (r=-0.212) respectively. High unemployment rates 62.3%, easy availability of drugs 34.3%, Peer pressure 72.3%, cheap cost of drugs 28.3% and poverty level 15.1% are main contributory factors to drug abuse. A chi-square run on the factors contributing to drug abuse also indicated a significant positive relationship between the local music, TV programs, friends, and social media with prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni County. The chi-square results also revealed a weak positive relationship between parents and prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni County. Faith-based organizations, local leaders, religious leaders, and non-governmental organizations had a strong negative relationship with prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni County. Conclusion & Recommendations: There is high prevalence of Drug/Substance abuse among the youths in Makueni County and both the County Government, national Government and the community in general must put stringent measures to curb the easy availability, sale and buying of abusive Drugs and other substances in the county.

IJCM_137A: A cross-sectional study to find out prevalence of alcohol, smoking and other substance abuse among adolescent in Raipur city, Chhattisgarh

Background: The use of various psychoactive substances such as alcohol, cannabis and opioids has been observed in India for centuries, the current dimension of the extent and pattern of psychoactive substance use and the problems associated with their use are not well-documented. Substance use estimates from 2004 indicate that tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs account for 8.7%, 3.8% and 0.4% of all deaths respectively, and 3.7%, 4.5% and 0.9% of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost respectively. National-level prevalence has been calculated for many substances of abuse, but regional variations are quite evident. Rapid assessment surveys have facilitated the understanding of changing patterns of use. Substance use among women and children are increasing cause of concern. Objective: To find out the prevalence of substance use among adolescentsat Raipur City C.G. Methodology: Study design: Community-based cross-sectional observational study. Study centre: Department of Community Medicine, Pt. JNM Medical College, Raipur Study area: Raipur city Study technique: Interview method Sample size: 300 Results: In the present study among 664 adolescents, 301 (45.3%) have a lifetime history of any type of substance abuse other than their medicinal use. The majority 53.5% and 26.8% belong to class II & III socioeconomic status as per the revised modified Prasad classification 2023. 39.5%, 17.6% and 5.7% of adolescents have a lifetime exposure to any form of Tobacco, alcohol & cannabis abuse respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, the prevalence of substance abuse is very high among adolescents and we found that 39.5% of adolescents are exposed to tobacco products while the Global Youth Tobacco Survey-4 (2019) estimates it was 18.1%.

Extent of substance abuse among patients with psychiatric disorders in Amman, Jordan

IntroductionThe issue of substance abuse is increasingly being recogniszed as a significant global public health concern. In relation to its influence on the Arab world, scholarly investigation continues to be regarded as relatively constrained in scope.ObjectivesThe primary goal of the present study was to investigate the extent of substance abuse in a sample of patients with psychiatric disorders who attended a psychiatric clinic in Amman and analyse this in relation to demographic and clinical variables.MethodsIn this prospective study, we investigated the prevalence, sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics of substance abuse among patients with psychiatric disorders who attended an outpatient private psychiatric clinic in Amman, Jordan between January and May 2023. Overall, 671 patients were enrolled. We compared demographic and clinical parameters of drug abuse and non-drug abuse patients.ResultsAmong the 671 patients included in the study, 48.0% (n=322) reported substance use, while 52.0% (n=349) did not. The mean age of the patients was 32.45±10.18 years. The sample included 546 male patients (81.4%). Among the participants, 388 (57.8%) were single, 360 (53.7%) held a bachelor’s degree or higher, 394 (58.7%) were employed, and 545 (81.2%) lived with their families. 506 (75.4%) were smokers, 110 (16.4%) reported having a medical illness, and 25% reported engaging in self-harm. The most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis was major depressive disorder, accounting for 30.6% of cases, followed by anxiety disorders. Additionally, 148 patients (22.1%) reported emotional abuse, 40 (6.0%) reported physical abuse, 57 (8.8%) reported sexual abuse, and 47 (7.0%) had a family history of substance use.ConclusionsOur research findings indicate that substance abuse is more prevalent among certain demographic groups, specifically young, unemployed, male patients with a low level of education and a family history of substance use. These findings highlight the need for further research in diverse settings and populations to better understand the scope and underlying factors contributing to substance abuse in Arab countries. Additionally, targeted interventions and prevention strategies should be developed to address the specific needs of these high-risk groups and reduce the burden of substance abuse in these communities.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Comparing the characteristcs of hospitalized patients admitted in involuntary or voluntary treatment after first episode psychosis

IntroductionIndividuals experiencing psychotic symptoms often lack insight into their conditions, especially in first psychotic episodes. According to the Portuguese Mental Health Law, involuntary hospitalization may be necessary in cases of severe mental disorder, involving a threat to the patient or his/her legal assets, when there is a refusal of the necessary treatment.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to characterize patients admitted involuntarily for first psychotic episode and to compare them with the patients undergoing inpatient voluntary treatment.MethodsOut of a total of 87 patients diagnosed with first psychotic episode, hospitalized between 2020 and 2022 in our service, at Hospital Magalhães Lemos, 65 were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included patients from other residential areas. 40 patients were admitted under involuntary treatment, whereas 25 were hospitalized voluntarily. For both groups, we calculated the duration of untreated psychosis, the prevalence of psychoactive substance abuse, the type of treatment provided and the number of re-hospitalizations.ResultsPatients in involuntary treatment had longer duration of untreated psychosis (71 vs 38 weeks). Among these patients, 53% had comorbid psychoactive substance abuse, in contrast with only 36% of voluntarily treated patients. Upon discharge, 58% of patients in involuntary treatment were prescribed depot antipsychotic medication, whereas only 12% of the ones in voluntary treatment. Out of 40 patients admitted involuntarily, 11 were re-hospitalized, but only 4 of the 25 patients in voluntary treatment (28 vs 16%).ConclusionsPatients in involuntary treatment probably suffered from more severe disease, as seen for the higher duration of untreated psychosis and frequent comorbid substance abuse. Injectable medication was the preferred choice at the time of discharge for this group. Additionally, they experienced higher rates of re-hospitalizations. Recent changes in Portuguese Mental Health Law, that aims to safeguard the rights and responsibilities of individuals with mental health care needs, motivated this study.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Prevalence of Drug Abuse and its Risk Factors among Attendees of Healthcare Centers in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of drug abuse among the Saudi population. Methods: To locate relevant material, we searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Science Direct thoroughly. The Rayyan QRCI was used during the procedure. Results: We included six studies with a total of 33222 patients, and 20,803 (62.6%) were males. Drug abuse prevalence ranged from 2.4% to 58.8%. The most common drugs used were amphetamine-cannabis benzodiazepine, Amphetamines & cannabis, Stimulants & cannabis, Heroin & alcohol, Khat chewing, and Marijuna & narcotic drugs. Patients' age, smoking habits, past medical history, and age at the beginning of drug use, male gender unmarried people, and Saudi nationals, used drugs at substantially greater rates. Interestingly, participants with higher education levels were more likely to use drugs such as amphetamines and cannabis while lower educational attainment were more likely to use Khat. Conclusion: When it came to substance misuse, the general Saudi population that visited health facilities had a pretty high rate. In light of these findings, we recommend carrying out additional research to obtain more precise and pertinent information about the incidence of substance usage in Saudi Arabia. To determine the incidence of morphine abuse across various populations, including healthcare professionals and people with chronic pain—such as sickle cell patients—we advised conducting additional research.

Silent Struggles: Family Dynamics and Drug Abuse Reporting Under Harsh Laws and Stigmatizing Perceptions

ABSTRACT Under Vietnam’s stringent drug laws and prevailing negative societal attitudes toward drug users, families face challenges in reporting members dealing with drug abuse. Such underreporting poses critical challenges, including a distorted understanding of the true extent of drug abuse, hindering targeted interventions and resulting in individuals being inaccessible to vital treatment and assistance. This study focuses on the shifting family structures in rural Vietnam, particularly the transition from extended to nuclear families. While prior research indicates higher drug abuse prevalence in nuclear families, reporting dynamics present a different narrative. Analyzing data from 1,772 rural communes using a Heckman selection model, we find that increasing nuclear families correlates with a lower probability of reporting drug abuse and fewer reported drug users. This finding suggests that communities with more nuclear families may harbor a greater prevalence of unreported drug users, posing significant policy challenges. Addressing underreporting becomes crucial for informed interventions combating drug abuse in evolving rural contexts.

Intervention Strategies for Mitigating Drug and Substance Abuse Among Youths in Selected Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria

This study investigated intervention strategies for reducing drug and substance abuse among youths in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, Nigeria. The survey research design was employed in this study and qualitative data collection was made. Both primary and secondary data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted with key informants, including community leaders, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals, to obtain qualitative insights into the underlying factors contributing to drug and substance use. The study adopted the qualitative data analysis which involved thematic and content analysis to identify key themes and patterns in the participants' narratives. Thematic and content analysis revealed various contributing factors to drug abuse and the distinct roles of key players in addressing the issue. Tailoring national campaigns to local contexts through domestication emerged as an effective approach, leveraging community engagement, local influencers, and continuous monitoring. The study emphasised the critical roles of the NDLEA, health practitioners, religious and traditional institutions, media, and NGOs in prevention efforts. The study discovers that various key players are identified, showcasing their distinct roles and responsibilities in addressing this pressing issue. The study showed that tailoring national campaigns to local contexts through domestication enhances effectiveness by customizing messages and interventions to the local culture of drug and substance abuse. The study recommended implementing comprehensive prevention programs, advocating for good parenting, strengthening law enforcement, and improving access to mental health services for affected youths. This study underscores the collective responsibility of stakeholders, including governmental agencies, community institutions, religious leaders, educators, parents, NGOs, and youths themselves, in addressing drug abuse among youths in Benue State. The study concludes that the significance of acknowledging drug abuse as a collective concern that requires the involvement of various stakeholders, including governmental agencies, community institutions, religious leaders, educators, parents, NGOs, and youths themselves. The prevalence of drug abuse among youths in the district underscores the need for immediate action and underscores the responsibility of each stakeholder to play a role in prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation efforts towards mitigating drug and substance abuse among youths in Benue State.

The Prevalence of Drug Abuse as it Relates to Psychosocial Reasons among University Athletes in Selected Competitive Sports in Kenya

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of drug abuse as it relates to psychosocial reasons that include peer pressure, social environment, emotional state and relationships; among university athletes involved in selected competitive sports.
 Methodology: The study used a mixed methods research design with an intention to capture and utilize both qualitative and quantitative data. The study sample comprised 300 respondents. Out of the 300 students, 173 (57.7%) were male and 127 (42.3%) were female players derived from six selected competitive sports at the universities in Kenya. The selected sports were badminton, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer and rugby. Stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling was used to select 10 universities proportionately (4 private and 6 public), the method was the most appropriate to capture universities with women rugby in addition to the five other selected sports. The study sought to investigate the prevalence of drug abuse due to factors such as psychosocial, medicinal and competition. SPSS computer version 20 was used to process data. The data was presented in form of tables.
 Findings: Data indicated clearly that athletes had abused drugs due to various psychosocial reasons. The prevalence per gender was close at 18% and 12.12% for males and females respectively. Peer pressure was regarded as a great contributor to drug abuse among the youth. Another psychosocial indicator is the emotional state of a particular individual. Students, just like other members of society, go through various challenging situations in life. The other indicator regarding drug abuse due to psychosocial factors is depression. Four (4, 40%) of the 10 dean of students interviewed said that students were victims of drug abuse due to depression. They alluded the depression cases mostly to relationship issues and financial challenges while the students are in session. The data was presented in form of Tables.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Learning Theory, Stress-Coping Theory and Social Control Theory may be used to anchor future studies. It is recommended that university athletes be sensitized on proper use of sports to relieve stress and maintain emotional balance. Further, only qualified coaches and sports officers should be allowed to mentor and man sports in the universities. According to some heads of sports seven out of the ten (70%) and 4 of the 10 (40%) deans of students interviewed, some coaches may not report cases of drug abuse by athletes. This could be attributed to the fact that the coaches, who mostly are on casual basis, could fear experiencing bad blood with the players thereby threatening their jobs. Trained sports officers and coaches should accompany the university athletes always and act as worthy mentors to the young athletes.

Substance Abuse and Sleep Quality in University Students.

Substance abuse remains a challenging public health issue, especially among young people. It has been shown that poor sleep and substance abuse may have mutual intensifying effects. This study aimed to evaluate the rates of substance abuse, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption and their association with sleep disturbances among university students in 2021. The participants were the students of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Iran in 2021. Data were collected through a researcher-made demographic questionnaire, the first two questions of the translated version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A total of 222 students entered the study from March to August 2021. The rates of substance abuse in the past three months and lifetime were 35.6% and 45.5%, respectively. The most common type of substance abuse was related to the 'other substances' category. Substance abuse was significantly higher in students living in dormitories and those with a family history of substance abuse. Poor sleep was found in 34.2% of the students, and substance abuse and alcohol consumption both in the past three months and lifetime were significantly associated with lower sleep quality. This study showed that substance abuse was significantly associated with sleep disturbances. The study results also illustrated an upward trend of substance abuse in recent years among students in Rasht, which may be related to economic issues in the country and/or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the rising prevalence of substance abuse and its impacts on society, policymakers are highly recommended to pay special attention to its risk factors.