The Patterns and Prevalence of Substance Abuse Among Youth in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria

Blessing Eno Aniedehe

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.12no4.2026.pg15.32

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The Patterns and Prevalence of Substance Abuse Among Youth in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria

Blessing Eno Aniedehe

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of substance abuse among youths in Abuja Municipal Area Council , Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative focus group discussions . The study population comprised youths aged 15 to 35 years, with a sample size of 371 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and FGDs, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed a high prevalence of substance abuse 67.4%, with alcohol 72.0%, cigarettes/tobacco 56.0%, and cannabis 48.0% being the most commonly abused substances. Peer pressure 59.3%, unemployment 67.4%, and mental health issues 40.4% were identified as key determinants. Significant differences were observed across age groups, with higher odds of substance abuse among youths aged 30-35 years (OR = 1.986, p < 0.001) and males (OR = 0.832, p < 0.001). Socioeconomic factors, particularly unemployment, significantly influenced substance use (p < 0.001). However, the study found no significant impact of existing community-based interventions on reducing substance abuse (p = 0.121). The study concludes that substance abuse in AMAC is driven by multifaceted factors and recommends a multi-sectoral approach, including school-based drug education, parental engagement, economic empowerment, stricter law enforcement, and expanded rehabilitation services. These findings contribute to policy formulation and evidence-based interventions to mitigate substance abuse among youths in urban Nigeria.

Keywords

Patterns of substance abuseAbuja Municipal Area Councilsocialeconomicand psychological determinants

References

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The Patterns and Prevalence of Substance Abuse Among Youth in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

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