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.
Study of Factors Influencing Drug Use Among Commercial Drivers in Suburban Public Transport
