Awareness of Health Hazards Associated with Consumption of Illicit Drugs Among Youths in Kano State, Nigeria

Global health agencies have emphasized that illicit drug use among youths constitutes a major public health and socio-economic challenges, with Nigeria recording prevalence rates above international averages. Kano State has emerged as a critical focus, where substances such as tramadol, codeine, cannabis, methamphetamine, and synthetic opioids are increasingly consumed despite government interventions and awareness campaigns. This study investigates the level of awareness of health hazards associated with illicit drug use among youths aged 15–35 in Kano State. Grounded in the Health Belief Model, the research evaluates perceptions of short- and long-term physiological and social consequences, identifies sources of information, and examines attitudes toward drug consumption and the effectiveness of existing awareness campaigns. A quantitative survey design was employed, utilizing a multistage sampling technique to select 400 respondents from the 500 targeted population across metropolitan and semi-urban areas. Almost 80 percent of the distributed questionnaires were successfully retrieved, and these recovered responses were considered valid, forming a reliable dataset essential for meaningful analysis and strengthening the credibility of the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, pre-tested for reliability and translated into Hausa Language for cultural relevance. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize awareness levels, while inferential analyses, including chi-square tests, explored associations between demographic variables and awareness outcomes. The findings aim to provide empirical evidence to guide data-driven, culturally and linguistically appropriate health communication strategies and public policies, thereby contributing to the mitigation of drug-related harms among youths.