scholarly journals Illicit Drug Use among Adolescents: A Public Perception of Influencing Factors in Owerri, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Udochukwu Ugochukwu Ogu ◽  
Nkoli Ezumah ◽  
Aloysius Odii ◽  
Nkolika P. Uguru
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Relationship Problems ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
The Public ◽  
Factors Influencing

Abstract BackgroundIllicit drug use among adolescents has become a public health concern which cuts across all social strata. This study explored the public perception of factors that influence illicit drug use among adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. The study adopted a mixed-method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods and was carried out in Owerri metropolis of Imo State, Nigeria. The research instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and in-depth interview guide. The target population comprised adults 18 years and above residing in the area of interest at the time of the study. For the qualitative method, a total of 10 communities were selected randomly by balloting and availability sampling was employed in the selection of respondents. Respondents for the qualitative method were purposively selected.ResultsIn the quantitative study, just over half of the respondents, from across the three areas in Owerri metropolis, asserted that peer influence, emotional/relationship problems, wanting to feel ‘high’ are factors influencing adolescent consumption of illicit drugs whereas the qualitative study found family background, ‘unique’ experience such as the death of a loved one etc. as factors influencing adolescents’ illicit drug use. The quantitative results showed that persons with a higher level of education are more likely than those with a lower level of education to perceive a significant difference in drug use between in – school and out – of – school adolescents. ConclusionsPeer influence, emotional/relationship problems and the influence of media (especially the social media), among several other identified reasons, are perceived by the public as factors that influence adolescents’ use of illicit drugs. Some of the factors identified by the public are either not supported by evidence or are against evidence. As a means to curb some of these factors, the communities, schools and universities should formulate contextual policies to prevent drug use and should also hold seminars for parents and families to alert them early to the symptoms of drug use in their children.

scholarly journals Illicit Drug Use by Adolescents: A Public Perception of Influencing Factors in Owerri, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Udochukwu Ugochukwu Ogu ◽  
Nkoli Ezumah ◽  
Aloysius Odii
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Relationship Problems ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
The Public

Abstract Background: Illicit drug use among adolescents has become a public health concern which cuts across all social strata. This study explored the public perception of factors that influence illicit drug use among adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed-method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods and was carried out in Owerri metropolis of Imo State, Nigeria. The research instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and in-depth interview guide. The target population comprised adults 18 years and above residing in the area of interest at the time of the study. For the qualitative method, a total of 10 communities were selected randomly by balloting and availability sampling was employed in the selection of respondents. Respondents for the qualitative method were purposively selected.Results: Our quantitative study found that 50.7% of the respondents, from across the three areas in Owerri metropolis, asserted that peer influence, emotional problems, relationship problems, wanting to feel ‘high’ are factors influencing adolescent consumption of illicit drugs whereas the qualitative study found family background, unique experience such as the death of a loved one, affliction or misfortune as factors influencing adolescents’ illicit drug use. The quantitative results showed that persons with a higher level of education are more likely than those with a lower level of education to perceive a significant difference in drug use between in – school and out – of – school adolescents.Conclusions: Peer influence, emotional problems, relationship problems, the influence of media (especially the social media), among several other identified reasons are perceived by the public as factors that influence adolescents’ use of illicit drugs. As a means to curb some of these factors, the communities, schools and universities should formulate contextual policies policies to prevent drug use and should also hold seminars for parents and families to alert them early to the symptoms of drug use in their children.

scholarly journals Illicit Drug Use among Adolescents: A Public Perception of Influencing Factors in Owerri, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Udochukwu Ogu ◽  
Nkoli Ezumah ◽  
Aloysius Odii ◽  
Nkolika Uguru
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Relationship Problems ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
The Public

Abstract Background: Illicit drug use among adolescents has become a public health concern which cuts across all social strata. This study explored the public perception of factors that influence illicit drug use among adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed-method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods and was carried out in Owerri metropolis of Imo State, Nigeria. The research instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and in-depth interview guide. The target population comprised adults 18 years and above residing in the area of interest at the time of the study. For the qualitative method, a total of 10 communities were selected randomly by balloting and availability sampling was employed in the selection of respondents. Respondents for the qualitative method were purposively selected.Results: Our quantitative study found that 50.7% of the respondents, from across the three areas in Owerri metropolis, asserted that peer influence, emotional problems, relationship problems, wanting to feel ‘high’ are factors influencing adolescent consumption of illicit drugs whereas the qualitative study found family background, unique experience such as the death of a loved one, affliction or misfortune as factors influencing adolescents’ illicit drug use. The quantitative results showed that persons with a higher level of education are more likely than those with a lower level of education to perceive a significant difference in drug use between in – school and out – of – school adolescents. Conclusions: Peer influence, emotional problems, relationship problems and the influence of media (especially the social media), among several other identified reasons, are perceived by the public as factors that influence adolescents’ use of illicit drugs. As a means to curb some of these factors, the communities, schools and universities should formulate contextual policies to prevent drug use and should also hold seminars for parents and families to alert them early to the symptoms of drug use in their children.

scholarly journals Illicit Drug Use by Adolescents: A Public Perception of Influencing Factors in Owerri, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Udochukwu Ugochukwu Ogu ◽  
Nkoli Ezumah ◽  
Aloysius Odii
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Peer Pressure ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: Illicit drug use among adolescents has become a social menace which cuts across all social strata. This study explored public perception of factors that influence illicit drug use among adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods. The study was carried out in Owerri metropolis of Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 10 communities were selected randomly, they included four communities from the 16 communities that make up Owerri West, five communities from the 18 communities that make up Owerri North and one community from the five communities that make up Owerri Municipal. The research instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and in-depth interview guide.Results: Our quantitative study found that 50.7% of the respondents, from across the three areas in Owerri metropolis, asserted that peer influence, emotional problems, relationship problems, wanting to feel ‘high’ are factors influencing adolescent consumption of illicit drugs whereas the qualitative study found family background, unique experience such as the death of a loved one, affliction or misfortune as factors influencing adolescents’ illicit drug use. The quantitative results showed that persons with higher level of education are more likely than those with lower level of education to perceive a significant difference in drug use between in – school and out – of – school adolescents. Conclusions: Peer pressure was identified as a major factor and it was also identified as rivaling the family in terms of influence.

scholarly journals Curbing Adolescent Illicit Drug use in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria: A Public Perceptive.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ogu Udochukwu U. ◽  
Nkoli Ezumah ◽  
Aloysius Odii ◽  
Nkolika P. Uguru
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Drug Prescription ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Adolescent Drug Use ◽  
Raising Awareness

Abstract Background: To reduce the rate of illicit drug use, the public has an important role to play, therefore how they perceive illicit drug use among youths must be ascertained. This study seeks to ascertain the public perception of strategies for curbing adolescent drug use.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed-method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population consisted of members of the public aged 18 years and above, residing in Owerri metropolis at the time of the study. A total of 10 communities were selected randomly in all: four communities from the 16 communities that make up Owerri West, five communities from the 18 communities that make up Owerri North and one community from the five communities that make up Owerri Municipal. A total of 16 respondents were purposively selected for in-depth interviews.Results: The quantitative findings show that 70.7% of respondents believe that the use of illicit drugs by adolescents can be controlled. The findings also show that one of the public’s perception to control adolescent drug use is to establish stringent anti-illicit drugs consumption laws/policies (20.4%) amongst others. The qualitative findings report that in order to curb the use of drugs by adolescents, the following activities and bodies need to be implored: health promotion, raising more awareness and sensitization campaigns, creation of remand homes for juveniles, the involvement of parents, school authorities and religious organizations and rehabilitation programmes. However, raising awareness, according to the study was reported as a reliable way of eliminating drug use among adolescents.Conclusion: To curb illicit drug use, proper funding of drug enforcement agencies, sensitization campaigns, strict laws on drug prescription, provision and use and health education etc. are very necessary for reducing adolescents’ illicit drug consumption.

scholarly journals Curbing Adolescent Illicit Drug use in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria: A Public Perceptive.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ogu Udochukwu U. ◽  
Nkoli Ezumah ◽  
Aloysius Odii ◽  
Nkolika P. Uguru
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Drug Prescription ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Adolescent Drug Use ◽  
Raising Awareness

Abstract Background: In order to reduce the rate of illicit drug use, the public has an important role to play, therefore how they perceive illicit drug use among youths must be ascertained. This study, seeks to ascertain public perception on strategies for curbing adolescent drug use.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population consisted of members of the public aged 18 years and above, residing in Owerri metropolis at the time of the study. A total of 10 communities were selected randomly in all: four communities from the 16 communities that make up Owerri West, five communities from the 18 communities that make up Owerri North and one community from the five communities that make up Owerri Municipal. A total of 16 respondents were purposively selected for in-depth interviews.Results: The quantitative findings show that 70.7% of respondents believe that the use of illicit drugs by adolescents can be controlled. The findings also show that one of the ways to control adolescent drug use is to establish stringent anti-illicit drugs consumption laws/policies (20.4%) amongst others. The qualitative findings report that in order to curb the use of drugs by adolescents, the following activities and bodies need to be implored: health promotion, raising more awareness and sensitization campaigns, creation of remand homes for juveniles, the involvement of parents, school authorities and religious organizations and rehabilitation programmes. However, raising awareness, according to the study was reported as a reliable way in eliminating drug use among adolescents.Conclusion: To curb illicit drug use, proper funding of drug enforcement agencies, sensitization campaigns, strict laws on drug prescription, provision and use and health education etc. are very necessary for reducing adolescents’ illicit drug consumption.

scholarly journals Curbing Adolescent Illicit Drug Use in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria: A Public Perceptive

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Udochukwu Ogu ◽  
Nkoli Ezumah ◽  
Aloysius Odii ◽  
Nkolika Pamela
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Drug Prescription ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Adolescent Drug Use ◽  
Raising Awareness

Abstract Background: To reduce the rate of illicit drug use, the public has an important role to play, therefore how they perceive illicit drug use among youths must be ascertained. This study seeks to ascertain the public perception of strategies for curbing adolescent drug use.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed-method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population consisted of members of the public aged 18 years and above, residing in Owerri metropolis at the time of the study. A total of 10 communities were selected randomly in all: four communities from the 16 communities that make up Owerri West, five communities from the 18 communities that make up Owerri North and one community from the five communities that make up Owerri Municipal. A total of 16 respondents were purposively selected for in-depth interviews.Results: The quantitative findings show that 70.7% of respondents believe that the use of illicit drugs by adolescents can be controlled. The findings also show that one of the public’s perception to control adolescent drug use is to establish stringent anti-illicit drugs consumption laws/policies (20.4%) amongst others. The qualitative findings report that in order to curb the use of drugs by adolescents, the following activities and bodies need to be implored: health promotion, raising more awareness and sensitization campaigns, creation of remand homes for juveniles, the involvement of parents, school authorities and religious organizations and rehabilitation programmes. However, raising awareness, according to the study was reported as a reliable way of eliminating drug use among adolescents.Conclusion: To curb illicit drug use, proper funding of drug enforcement agencies, sensitization campaigns, strict laws on drug prescription, provision and use and health education etc. are very necessary for reducing adolescents’ illicit drug consumption.

The Australian Debate about the Legalization of Heroin and other Illicit Drugs, 1988–1991

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne Hall
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Social Costs ◽  
Drug Related Problems ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Figures ◽  
The Social ◽  
Drug Policies

Since 1988 a number of public figures in Australia have argued that prohibitions on the use of cannabis, cocaine, and heroin should be relaxed because current drug policies do not reflect the comparative risks of licit and illicit drug use, and many of the social costs of illicit drug use are consequences of prohibition. They have advocated a variety of proposals for reforming drug policy. Proponents of “controlled availability” have proposed that currently illegal drugs should be provided under medical supervision to persons who are dependent on them. Critics concerned about the social costs of drug policies have advocated policies to undercut the black market by increasing the availability of currently illicit drugs. The mechanisms proposed for achieving this end have included de facto and de jure decriminalization of drug use, and the provision of currently illicit drugs to licensed adults by a government monopoly. Despite a vigorous debate, drug policies have not changed because reformers have failed to convince the public that their policies will not increase the use of illicit drugs, and hence the prevalence of drug dependence and drug-related problems.

Fire on the Mountain: Reinvigorating Legislative Measures to Quench the Flame of Illicit Drug Use in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-29
Author(s):  
Sogo Angel Olofinbiyi ◽  
Thembelihle Mtambo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
South African ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
African Government ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Legislative Measures

South African societies have been characterized by the prolific incidence of illicit drug use in recent times.  The paper attempts to examine the legislations implemented on the use of illicit drugs in South Africa. The study adopts a review of the literature to identify and describe the most common illicit drugs used around South Africa communities, placing emphasis on the policies developed by the South African government in combating these situations. The research follows a critical   discussion on the issues associated with drug use, its causes, as well as its effects on humans and the environment. The study recommends relevant initiatives to combat all intricacies associated with drug use within the country. This approach will be appropriate in facilitating a clear-cut   understanding of the possible remedies to quench the burning flame of illicit drug use across a broad range of South African communities.

Silent severe myocardial ischemia in a past illicit drug user imaged with myocardial perfusion scintigraphy

Perfusion ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 026765912110281
Author(s):  
Chrissa Sioka ◽  
Georgios Georgiou ◽  
Christos Katsouras ◽  
Konstantinos Pappas ◽  
Dimitris-Nikiforos Kiortsis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Myocardial Perfusion ◽  
Myocardial Ischemia ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Microvascular Dysfunction ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction ◽  
Illicit Drug User ◽  
Cardiac Symptoms

Patients with illicit drug use may have deleterious acute and chronic cardiac effects. We present a case of a 42-year-old man, former alcohol and various illicit drugs user, who was admitted to the psychiatric unit for management of psychosis. Because of his previous drug and alcohol history, a cardiological evaluation was performed which revealed silent severe myocardial ischemia detected by myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). The myocardial ischemia was attributed to coronary microvascular dysfunction, occurring several years after quitting the illicit drugs. This study highlights the potential myocardial ischemia that may occur in patients with previous alcohol and illicit drug use, and the role of MPI, a non-invasive test that can provide important information regarding the myocardial status of such patients, even without obvious cardiac symptoms or findings.

scholarly journals Use of illicit drugs by adolescents and young adults of an urban settlement in Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-118
Author(s):  
Rafael Alves Guimarães ◽  
Márcia Maria de Souza ◽  
Karlla Antonieta Amorim Caetano ◽  
Sheila Araujo Teles ◽  
Marcos André de Matos
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urban Settlement ◽  
Factors Associated

Summary Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with illicit drug use by adolescents and young adults of a formal urban settlement. Method: Cross-sectional study including adolescents and young adults 12-24 years of an urban settlement in the Midwest Region of Brazil. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Stata, version 12.0. We used Poisson regression model to estimate the factors associated with illicit drug use. Results: Of the total participants (n=105), 27.6% (95CI 20.0-36.9%) had used illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, crack, LSD and inhalants. The consumption of these substances was associated with male gender, use of body piercing and/or tattoos, licit drug use and self-report of signs and/or symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion: High prevalence of illicit drug use was found in the individuals investigated, ratifying the presence of risk factors to the vulnerability of the settlers to use these substances in the urban settlement population.

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