Abstract

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG ADOLESCENTS: PREVALENCE, PATTERNS AND DETERMINANTS OF CIGARETTE SMOKING IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

*Eniojukan, Joshua F and Chichi, Regina M

Abstract

Smoking is an increasingly prevalent habit in Nigeria. This study sought to determine the prevalence and patterns of cigarette smoking among Junior Secondary School Students in Benue State of Nigeria. A stratified random (multistage) sampling was applied involving 12 junior secondary schools and a total of 1200 students. Data was collected with an anonymous self administered questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 17.0. Majority of respondents were Males (57.7%), Christians (94.2%) and fell within age group 10-20 years (92%). The prevalence of tobacco smoking was 6.3%; there were more male smokers; initiation age was as low as 10 years [range 10-17 years]; majority of smokers were light smokers; mostly smoking so as to have fun with their friends and to forget their problems. Most of their teachers smoked; some of their friends and relations smoked. Some also smoked Cannabis. All respondents opined that smoking was a bad habit and smoking could affect health negatively; knowledge and awareness about health effects of smoking was good but there were still gaps. Majority of respondents were of the opinion that smoking should be banned in school premises. Cigarette smoking was correlated with Age, gender, peer influence and quality of academic performance; religion was not associated with smoking. The existing policy restrictions on smoking should be enforced.

Keywords: Adolescents, Cigarette, Patterns, Prevalence, Smoking, Substance abuse.