Prevalence, patterns, and hematological correlates of psychoactive substance use among undergraduate students of Nasarawa State University Keffi: a cross-sectional analytical study

Abstract

Substance misuse among university students is a growing global public health concern, threatening academic performance, mental health, and long-term wellbeing. This study investigated the prevalence, patterns, determinants, and hematological correlates of psychoactive substance use among undergraduates at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria. Employing a cross-sectional analytical design, researchers combined questionnaire-based surveys with laboratory investigations. Out of 200 randomly recruited students, 160 completed the study (80% response rate). Laboratory analysis included urine drug screening and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) determination. Urine screening identified cannabis (THC) as the most prevalent substance at 19.4%. Other detections included methamphetamine (3.0%), amphetamines (2.5%), and tramadol (2.5%), while cocaine was absent. Self-reported data highlighted different consumption trends: codeine-containing cough syrups (31.9%), cannabis (THC) (14.4%), and shisha (21.3%) were most common. This discrepancy underscores the limitations of relying solely on either self-reported or laboratory-based measures and highlights the importance of using a combined methodological approach. Regarding frequency, 59.4% reported occasional use, while 18.1%, 6.3%, and 9.4% reported monthly, weekly, and daily use, respectively. Psychological factors were primary drivers, with students citing confidence-boosting (17.5%) and stress relief (12.5%) as major motivations. Hematological assessment showed that 87.8% of participants had normal PCV values, while 12.2% had low levels. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant association between cannabis use and PCV status (χ2= 1.46, p = 0.234). The findings indicate that psychoactive substance use is notably common among students. This underscores an urgent need for strengthened prevention strategies, enhanced mental health support services, and stricter regulation of commonly misused substances within university environments to safeguard student health and academic integrity.