IMPACT OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN IMO STATE

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of drug abuse among tertiary institutions in Imo State, using descriptive survey design. Population of the study covers Imo State University, Owerri and Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri, with a population of 680 drawn from three level and four level students with a sample of 272 based on simple random sampling. A 20 item Likert scale structured questionnaire was used to collect data using face to face method. Reliability index was 0.84 while weighted mean statistics was used for data analysis based on 2.5 criterion mean. Findings are as follows: marijuana, cigarette, tramadol, hot drinks/spirits and cocaine were abused by tertiary students in Imo State. Frustration, pleasure seeking, peer pressure, stress coping mechanism and performance enhancement were the causes of drug abuse in tertiary institutions in Imo State. Aggressiveness, poor attendance/truancy, mental disorder, liver/kidney diseases and poor academic performance were accepted as impacts of drug abuse among tertiary institution students behaviour modification, drug-based health education, awareness campaign, ban of alcohol sales on campuses and establishing anti-drug taskforce are preventive measures of drug abuse in tertiary institutions in Imo State. Based on the findings, it was concluded that drug abuse has negative impacts on students of tertiary institutions in Imo State. Among others, it was recommended thus: Through its relevant agencies, the government should introduce alternative behaviour modifications for students involved in drug abuse. School authorities should develop a drug-based health education curriculum to adequately teach the risks of drug abuse.