Prevalence and Predictors of Drug and Substance Abuse on Human Health Among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Drug and substance abuse among tertiary institution students has emerged as a critical public health concern globally, with significant implications for academic performance, physical health, and psychological well-being. This study investigates the prevalence and predictors of drug and substance abuse on human health among students of tertiary institutions in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, data were collected from 413 respondents across three tertiary institutions—Kaduna State University (KASU), Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, and College of Education, Gidan Waya—through a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show that the prevalence of drug abuse was significantly associated with gender (χ²=12.67, p<0.001), age (χ²=6.55, p=0.038), institution (χ²=9.02, p=0.011), and socioeconomic status (χ²=14.77, p<0.001). Male students demonstrated significantly higher prevalence (38.8%) compared to females (14.8%). Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to engage in drug abuse, while Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic recorded the highest prevalence among institutions. Knowledge of drug abuse was significantly associated with gender (χ²=4.21, p=0.040), age (χ²=8.33, p=0.040), and socioeconomic status (χ²=15.22, p<0.001), with females demonstrating better knowledge than males. Perception towards drug abuse was significantly associated with age (χ²=7.45, p=0.024) and ethnicity (χ²=6.80, p=0.033), while attitude was significantly associated with gender (χ²=5.90, p=0.015), age (χ²=9.21, p=0.010), and socioeconomic status (χ²=18.40, p<0.001). The study concludes that drug abuse remains a serious issue among tertiary education students in Kaduna State, with multiple demographic and socioeconomic factors serving as significant predictors. Recommendations include integrating drug abuse prevention programs into academic curricula, enhancing student support systems, and promoting targeted awareness campaigns.