Odigie, Eunice&Igbudu, Ujiro

Dept of Health, Safety and Environmental Education,

Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State

Abstract

Psychoactive substance abuse among adolescents has emerged as a significant public health concern globally, with profound implications for the mental and physical well-being of young individuals. The study examined the socio-demographic correlates of psychoactive substance abuse among adolescents in Edo South senatorial district of Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional research design involving a total number of 408 students was used for this study. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed. Multistage sampling procedure was employed. Data collection was done through self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire.Data was analysed using frequency counts percentage and linear regression. The results showed that the relationship between gender and psychoactive substance abuse among adolescents in Edo South senatorial district of Edo State was statistically significant (p = .000). A statistically significant relationship (p = 0.022) was also established between age and the abuse of psychoactive substance among adolescents in Edo South senatorial district of Edo State. However, the relationship between location and psychoactive substance abuse among adolescents in Edo South senatorial district of Edo State was not statistically significant (p = 0.137). The study also revealed that the most common source of psychoactive substance for both male and female respondents was peers (62.21% and 88.37% respectively). It was recommended that gender-specific programmes should be developed by government and non-governmental organizations to address the distinct factors driving substance abuse among males and female adolescents.

 Key Words: Psychoactive substance, Socio-demographic, Adolescents, Gender.