A Survey of Psychostimulant Use among University Students in Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Substance use was prevalent among students. While previous studies suggested high prevalence of substance abuse, no study has been reported among university students in Sokoto north western Nigeria.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among university students in Sokoto. Methods: A total of 1884 students from the university were included. Questionnaire containing items on sociodemographic variables and substance use were administered. SPSS Version 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Prevalence of psychostimulant use among the students was 52.6%. Coffee was most frequently used with prevalence of 52% followed by kolanut, 24%. Prevalence of alcohol use was 2.8% while that of marijuana was 0.3%. Conclusion: Substance use in the form of mild psychostimulants is prevalent among these students. Active intervention to prevent progression into illicit substance use may be of benefits.

Key words: Nigeria, Prevalence, Student, Substance use, University.