Assessment of Causes and Effects of Drugs and Substances Abuse among Youth: A Case Study of Katsina Metropolis (North West Nigeria)

Aims: To determine the cause, effect and type of drugs commonly abuse among youth in Katsina metropolis.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional design carried out in Katsina metropolis in June to September 2018.

Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional design was used for the study where by 384 respondents were selected through a purposive and snowball sampling techniques to select the study subject from the study areas. A validated and structured interviewer administered questionnaire (IAQ) was used to collect data from the respondents. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Findings from the study showed that peer pressure 75(19.5%) and desire for enjoyment 51(13.3%) are the major cause associated with the abuse of drugs by the respondents. The most commonly abused substances by the respondents include Tobacco 112(29.2%), Codeine 68(17.7%) Marijuana (Indian hemp) 55(14.3), and cola nut 17(3.4%) and majority of the respondent perceive negative effect of poor health (madness) 212 (55.2%) as the major effect and aggressive behavior’s 71(18.5%).

Conclusion: The major cause of substance abuse among youth are peer pressure and desire for enjoyment, common effect is poor health and Tobacco is the common abuse drug. It is therefore recommended that Parent should take good care of their children during teenage age and government should control the production and supply of these illicit substances.