First detailed characterization of prevalence of substance use among secondary school students in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract Background The prevalence of substance use among secondary school children in Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria, is unknown. Objective To provide comprehensive prevalence estimates of substance use and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Nasarawa, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional, multi-stage survey was conducted among 1,600 students in 26 schools. Students completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding socio-demographics and substance use habits. The questionnaire was adapted from two standardized questionnaires. Result Of the 1,518 who completed the questionnaire, there were more boys (51.3%) than girls. Most were 16–18 years (55.3%), attending non-residential (70%), private (54.4%), and mixed-sex schools (79.3%). Most were Christians (83.4%) and from monogamous families (73.2%). The prevalence of ever tried cigarette smoking was 14.8%, marijuana (13.6%), and inhalants (12.9%). Students > 18 years old were more likely to ever try cigarette smoking (aOR 1.88, 95%CI 0.99–3.58), tried during last 12 months (aOR 2.29, 95%CI 1.18–4.46), and tried during last 30 days (aOR 2.41, 95%CI 1.12–4.84) than those < 16 years. Students whose either parent smoked were more likely to ever try cigarette smoking (aOR 9.9, 95%CI 6.95–14.23), marijuana (aOR 9.74, 95%CI 6.78–13.99), inhalants (aOR 7.27, 95%CI 5.04–10.50), and other psychoactive substances (aOR 9.25, 995%CI 6.53–13.11) than students whose parents did not smoke. Other determinants of substance use were being a Muslim, attending non-residential public school, from a polygamous family, and living with unmarried parents. Conclusion Secondary school students in Nasarawa State exhibit variable substance use behaviors, influenced by socio-demographic factors, requiring consideration in substance use interventions.