ABSTRACT This study examined socio-demographic and psychosocial determinants of alcohol and other psychoactive substance use among undergraduates of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January to March 2025 among 319 full-time undergraduates selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested, adapted ESPAD-based questionnaire. Current substance use was defined as use of any psychoactive substance within the preceding 30 days. Bivariate associations were assessed using chi-square tests, and variables with p < 0.20 were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. The mean age of participants was 21.3 ± 2.9 years, and 53.3% were male. Alcohol was most prevalent (59.6%), followed by tobacco (20.4%), cannabis (14.7%), opioids (9.4%), cocaine (6.3%), hallucinogens (4.7%), and inhalants (0.9%). Substance use was significantly (p = 0.01) higher among males than females. In multivariable analysis, male sex independently predicted use (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.28–3.44). Psychosocial motivations demonstrated strong independent associations: curiosity (AOR = 19.3; 95% CI: 4.6–30.8), pleasure-seeking (AOR = 9.9; 95% CI: 4.5–21.8), sociability (AOR = 10.4; 95% CI: 2.4–15.4), mood stimulation (AOR = 9.0; 95% CI: 2.1–28.1), relief from psychological distress (AOR = 8.2; 95% CI: 2.9–23.1), and staying awake (AOR = 6.8; 95% CI: 2.3–10.1). Substance use is common among undergraduates and is more strongly associated with psychosocial motivations than demographic characteristics. Targeted, context-specific prevention strategies are warranted.
Azeke et al. (2026) studied this question.