VULNERABILITY TO INDIAN HEMP USAGE AND ITS PERCEIVED HEALTH IMPLICATIONS AMONG FEMALE YOUTHS IN KWALE, DELTA STATE

Abstract

The abuses of hard drugs in recent times have cut across gender boundary. This study was designed to examine the vulnerability to Indian hemp and its implication among female youths in Kwale, Delta State. The study adopted the descriptive survey designed. A sample size of 378 female youths in Kwale, participated in the study. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select the respondents in the study. Data was collected through validated questionnaire with 0.78 reliability using the Cronbach alpha. Data analysis was done through percentage and chi-square test at 0.05 significant level. Result from the study revealed that the extent of female youth vulnerability to Indian hemp in Kwale, Delta State was significantly high with 72.4% level; Though, the study revealed that there were perceived physical, psychological and social health implications of vulnerability to Indian hemp usage among the female youths, but the level of perceived physical and psychological health implication of vulnerability to Indian hemp use among the female youths was not significantly high in Kwale, Delta State (P <0.05) whereas the perceived social health implication was significantly high (P>0.05); cultural permissiveness and high level of availability and easy accessibility were found as risk factors for the female youths vulnerability to the drug. Conclusion was drawn and recommendation was made that community health education should be given to the female youths in the area in addition to NDLEA effort in combating the act.