Adolescents and Young Adults in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria: Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use, Perceived Health Effects, Intervention and Challenges

Abstract Background Adolescent and young adult drug usage has been on the rise, and it is essential to understand the factors that contribute to illicit drug use in the group. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, perceived health effects, intervention strategies, and challenges related to illegal drug use among adolescents and young adults in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods This survey was conducted in Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria between January- February 2023. It uses a purposive, descriptive study technique. A total of two hundred and fifty (250) questionnaires were administered to respondents (aged 0–30 years) to obtain information. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21.0) software. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between parameters (p ≤ 0.05). Results The results revealed that the majority of the respondents take drugs (79%), use drugs due to peer group pressure (34.0%), to get high (33.6%), due to family problems (16.8%) and occasionally the curiosity to know how it works (28.8%). Furthermore, the majority always take marijuana/cannabis (28%), and occasionally take Loud and Shisha (30%) respectively. The drugs are often obtained from friends (30%), local shops (29.2%), local chemists (28.4%) and occasionally from unknown dealers (29.6%). Interestingly, the majority of the respondents strongly agree that illicit drugs can cause cardiovascular, hepatological, pulmonary, neurological and nephrological conditions and that as an effort of intervention, the government provides anti-drug campaigns, drug education, drug awareness, research and non-governmental organization (NGO) liaison. The chi-square test revealed a significant association between age group and drug use due to peer group pressure, getting high, curiosity about how it works and family problems. Parental status and curiosity about how drugs work. Additionally, there is a significant association between the literacy level of the study group and parents with family problems. (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions Multiple factors have exposed adolescents and young adults in the study area to drug use this includes peer pressure, curiosity, family issues, and the literacy level of both the study group and their parents.