Substance Abuse as a Correlate of Poor Health and Crime among Students in Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

This study investigated students' perception of substance abuse as a correlate of poor health and crime in tertiary institutions, using Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Oto/Ijanikin, as case studies. The study examined the relationship between substance abuse, poor health outcomes, and criminal behaviour, while also assessing the influence of peer pressure, social environment, and institutional interventions on students' involvement in substance use. Four null hypotheses were formulated and tested at the 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire administered to selected respondents from the sampled institutions. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools, including frequency distribution, percentages, mean scores, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and Multiple Regression Analysis. Findings revealed that there was no statistically significant relationship between substance abuse and poor health among students, whereas a significant relationship existed between substance abuse and criminal behaviour. The study further established that peer pressure and social factors significantly influenced substance abuse among students, while institutional interventions exerted a significant effect on the control of drug-related behaviours. The study concluded that substance abuse constitutes a critical socio-health challenge within tertiary institutions and recommended intensified drug sensitization programmers.