The Functional and Interactive Perspectives of Substance Use among Young People in Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the functional and interactive perspectives of substance use among young people in Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 400 respondents in the four (4) faculties of the institution. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed three domains (changing mood, social purposes, and sexual effects) of functional structure as the major reasons for substance use. The interactive perspective revealed that interpersonal influences ranked highest characterised by peer pressure (54.3%). Intrapersonal influences of substance use were to gain courage and to relieve stress. The study recommended the need for education on the use of illicit substance, and intervention strategies to reduce the usage as well as consequences as this could negatively impact the health of young people and increase the likelihood of anti-social behaviours in families and school-dropouts.

Received: 3 January 2023 / Accepted: 28 February 2023 / Published: 5 March 2023