PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE IN SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN GOMBE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, GOMBE STATE - NIGERIA.

Background: Psychoactive substance use among adolescents presents a significant global challenge, contributing notably to morbidity and mortality. Adolescence is a critical developmental phase that is marked by various psycho-social hurdles, yet local data on predictors of substance use remains scarce. This study aims to illuminate these issues within Gombe State, providing essential data for evidence-based interventions.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and August 2018, employing a multistage sampling technique to recruit a random sample of 368 adolescents from 12 secondary schools in Gombe Local Government Area. Participants completed the WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test for the Young (ASSIST-Y) alongside a sociodemographic questionnaire. Adolescents taking prescribed psychoactive medication were excluded. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained prior to data collection.

Results: Of the 368 participants analyzed, 245 (66.6%) were males giving a male-to-female ratio of 1.9:1. The mean age was 15.6 ± 1.2 years. The lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 17.4% with 7.6% reporting current use (within the past three months). Tobacco was the commonest substance abused 38/368(10.1%) followed by opioids 26/368(7.1%). Significant associations were observed for lifetime substance use among males, those aged 15-17 years, students in public schools, and adolescents with family or peer substance use (p <0.05). The study identified Familymember substance use: (OR = 4.7, 95% CI 1.93 - 11.54) and Peer substance use: (OR = 5.6, 95% CI 2.08 - 15.11) as predictors of current substance use.

Conclusion: The study highlights the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among adolescents in Gombe, with significant predictors linked to familial influence, and peer associations. Further research is required for effective prevention.