Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences
Volume 24, No. 1, 2026
DOI: 10.36108/ijss/6202.42.0150
Prevalence and Perceived Psychosocial Effects of Substance Abuse among Undergraduates of a Tertiary Institution in South-West Nigeria
Favour Ifeoluwa Sanni, Chiemerigo A. Bright and Beatrice M. Ohaeri
Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Substance abuse is a significant public health concern, particularly among university students who are prone to risks associated with newfound independence, peer pressure, and academic stress. However, there are limited studies on the prevalence and psychosocial effects of substance abuse among university students. Hence, this study which assessed the prevalence and psychosocial effects of substance abuse among undergraduates in a tertiary institution in South-west Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional study design was used. A multistage sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 410 undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan. A Core Alcohol and Drug Survey questionnaire was adapted for data collection on types, prevalence and perceived psychosocial effects of substance abuse. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequencies, percentages, mean and inferential statistics of chi-square at 0.05 level of significance. The mean age of the participants is 21.8 ± 0.882, majority were female 260(63.4%). Findings show there is a high prevalence 125(30.5%) of substance use, with alcohol (46.6%) and marijuana (18%) being the most abused substance among the students in the last one year. However, Marijuana (46.8%) was the type of substance abused mostly. Many (68%) reported negative perceived psychosocial effects of substance abuse. The most common effects are hangover (29.3%), abdominal pain (21.7), lack of classroom concentration (16.3%), absenteeism (14.1%), and enhanced social activity (16.1%). The perceived benefits are being happy (27.1%), feeling of motivation (27.6%) peer connections (11.7%). There was a significant relationship between the academic performance of students and the prevalence of substance abuse (p=0.000). Findings showed a significant prevalence of substance abuse and a negative psychosocial impact on the students. Therefore, it is imperative that the university provide resources for substance abuse prevention, awareness and support in order to curb the rising prevalence of substance abuse and maintain positive psychosocial health.
Keywords: Substance abuse, prevalence, perceived, psychosocial effects, undergraduate student