Social Environmental Factors Associated with the Recent Surge in Psychoactive Substance Abuse among Youths in a Selected Semi-Urban Community in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

The study was on social environmental factors associated with the recent surge in psychoactive substance abuse and suggested preventions among youths in a selected semi-urban community in Bayelsa State Nigeria. The aim of the study was to ascertain the social environmental factors associated with the recent surge in psychoactive substances abuse among youths in Amassoma. The study employed mixed method research design. Population consisted of 100 male and female youths selected purposely by Snow Ball method. Living and schooling or working in Amassoma Community at the time of study were the inclusive criteria. Data were collected by means of questionnaire, in-depth interview and focused group discussions. Data collection instruments were structured by the investigator, validated and subjected to reliability test by means of split half method. Ethical approval was obtained from relevant authorities. Data were analysed by frequencies, percentages, Mean scores, NIVIVO and Chi-square statistical techniques at a level of 0.05 of significance. Results show that alcohol and tramadol were the commonest among the abused psycho-active substances 28(33.7%) and 13(21%) respectively. Peer pressure was the leading cause of psycho-active substance abused,46(55.4%) unemployment, poverty, frustrations, availability of these substances in the neighborhoods were all associated with the surge in psycho-active substance abuse. The study concluded that substance abuse among youths is a threat to the community in particular and to the society at large. Suggested preventive interventions include Health education and advocacy. Based on the finding it was recommended that the parents, school authorities and the media should be involved in advocacy and health education programmes aimed at preventing psycho-active substance abuse among the Youths in order to help preserve posterity of responsible citizens.