THE EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI
ABSTRACT
The study examines the effects of drug abuse on the academic performance of Benue State University students. With the following specific set objectives: to find out the level of drug abuse among BSUstudents, to ascertain the types of drugs that are mostly abuse among students of Benue State University, the causes of drug abuse among students of Benue State University, the effect of drug abuse among undergraduate students of Benue State University and possible solutions to the menace of drug abuse among undergraduate students of Benue State University. The theoretical framework adopted was on differential association theory and structural strain theory. Thestudy was a descriptive survey research. Findings from this study revealed that, majority of the respondents believe the level of drugabuse among students of Benue State University is moderate. On the drugs that are mostly abuse by students of Benue State University, the study findings reveal that majority of the respondents believe that alcohol is the most common type of drug abuse by students of BenueState University. On the causes of drug abuse among students of BenueState University, study results show that majority of the respondents believe peer pressure is the cause of drug abuse among students of Benue State University. On the effects of drug abuse among students in Benue State University. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents believe examination malpractice is the effect of drug abuse among students of Benue State University. Onpossible solutions to the menace of drug abuse among Undergraduate Students of Benue State University. The result findings indicatesthat, majority of the respondents believe proper orientation of students can help solve the problem of drug abuse among students ofBenue State University. Base on the results of the study, it concludes that, Drugs are a source of medication and treatment for variousillness and preventive disease if properly prescribe by medicalprofessionals. But drugs wrongly use without medication prescription
has negative consequences for the academic, social, psychological and physical development of students. Furthermore, the study recommends
that, , there should be proper orientation of students on the dangers
associated with drug abuse. This should be embark upon by departmental
heads, student union government and all registered associations and
clubs on campus in their orientation programmes organize for fresher’s
as this will enable them avoid the take of illicit drugs. Also,
counseling services should be provided by counseling unit of our
Nations institutions of higher learning to students already addicted
with the social problem of drug abuse in order to reduce the level of
their intake and help them recover from its effects on their academic
loss.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Contents page
Title page----------------------i
Declaration ---------------------------ii
Approval--------------------------------iii
Dedication-----------------------------------iv
Acknowledgement-----------------------------v
Table of Contents----------------------------vi
List of Tables ------------------------------vii
Abstract---------------------------------ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Aim and objectives of the study
Research Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Definition of Concepts
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.6 The Scope of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The Concept of Drug
2.3 The Concept of Drug Abuse
2.4 The Level of Drug Abuse among Students in Nigeria
2.5 Reasons that propel Students to engage in Drug Abuse in Nigeria
2.6 Types of Drugs Commonly Abused by Undergraduate Students in Nigeria
2.7 Effects of Drug Abuse on the Academic Performance of Students in Nigeria
2.8 Possible Solutions of Drug Abuse among Students in Nigeria
2.9 Theoretical Framework
2.9.1 Differential Association Theory
2.9.2 Structural Strain Theory
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2Design of the Study
3.3 Study Setting
3.4 Population of Study
3.5 Sample/Sampling Procedure
3.6 Sample Size Determination
3.7 Method of Data Collection
3.8 Method of Data Analysis
3.9 Limitations of the Study
CHAPTER FOUR: ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
4.3 The Level, types, causes , effects and Possible Solutions to the
Menace of Drug abuse among Students of Benue State University
4.4 Test of Hypotheses
4.5 Discussion of findings
CHAPTTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
INDEX
References
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
INDEX------------------------------------------44
References------------------------------------------44
Research Questionnaire------------------------------48
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.2: Socio-Demographic Variables of Respondents
Table 4.3 Respondents views on the Level of Drug Abuse among BSU Students
Table 4.3.1 Respondents views on the Drugs that are Mostly Abuse by
Students of Benue State University
Table 4.3.2 Respondents views on the Causes of Drug Abuse among
Students of Benue State University
Table 4.3.3 Respondents views on the Effects of Drug Abuse among
Undergraduate Students in Benue State University
Table 4.3.4 Respondents views on Possible Solutions to the Menace of
Drug Abuse among Undergraduate Students of Benue State University
Table 4.4 There is a significant relationship between drug abuse and
academic performance of undergraduate students
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
Since the early times, herbs, leaves and plants inform of drugs have
been used to heal and control diseases. Plants have been utilized as
medicines for thousands of years. The specific plants to be used and
the methods of application for particular ailments were passed down
through oral history from generation to generation (Samuelsson, 2004).
The use of drugs in itself does not constitute any danger, because
drugs correctly administered have been a blessing. Falco (1988) as
cited by Sambo (2008) asserts that, chronic use of substances can
cause serious irreversible damage to adolescent’s physical and
psychological development. The use of drugs could be beneficial or
harmful depending on the mode of use.
Apart from knowing the harmful effects of substance abuse, various
studies have pointed out that among the reasons students abuse drugs
are: for experimental purpose, curiosity, peer and family influence,
lack of parental supervision, personality problems, socioeconomic
issues, need for extra energy for work, to build up confidence,
frustration, to achieve happiness, to reduce fear, drug availability,
need to maintain drug habit in order to avoid withdrawal syndrome, to
feel good, to relieve stress, to sleep, to keep awake, to enhance
sexual performance, age, unemployment, poverty, and for no reason.
With the increasing rate of substance abuse, an increasing rate of
violence has been observed among high school and university students.
Among the highest in the drugs abused by undergraduates in a northern
Nigerian university, are: cigarette, brewed alcohol, locally brewed
alcohol, kolanut, apsirin and cananbbis (Essien, 2010).
Cannabis is by far the most commonly used illicit drug among world
population followed by tobacco (Essien, 2010). In the United Kingdom,
cross-sectional studies have shown that a substantial number of
students used illicit drugs, mainly cannabis, at some time during
their lives (Oshodi, Aina&Onajole 2010)
The motive behind drug abuse may be sociological, psychological, out
of curiosity, boredom, to alleviate fear, derive sexual and physical
pleasures, or family background. Despite the fact that drug abuse has
adverse effects on the youths by changing their brain perception of
difficulties and problems, the number of undergraduates that use or
abuse stimulants has steadily increased in recent years (Alan, 2003)
Also, some University students who experience dissatisfaction with
life due to anger, frustration, academic failure and boredom, consume
alcohol to fit in and serve as a consolation. This invariably affects
their academic performance hence hours that should be use for study
are diverted to rest and sleep after its consumption (Alan, 2003).
Efforts of Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and
other governmental agencies to stem the tide of drug abuse in Nigeria
has been meet with stiff resistance of users at different places
across the nation thereby increasing the incidence of drug abuse cases
in spite of their continued and destruction of such illicit drugs, the
rapid rise in the number of cases of drug abuse among youths whom are
mostly students is still on the increase. (Akinyemi 2008). Hence the
need for the present study which is to determine the effects of drug
abuse on the academic performance of Benue State University students.
1.2 Statement of the problem
A report by National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control
NAFDAC (2008) noted that the abuse of licit and illicit drugs is
forming a student sub-culture in Nigeria. This development is a
significant concern for Nigerian society. When a drug is abused it
causes injury to the brain and often irreversible alterations in the
central nervous systems. When psychoactive substances destroy several
thousand neurons, the consequences are fatal and a number of students
end up under performing in their academics when under the control of
this mode stimulating and controlling substance and some have died
from drug overdoses (Ekpenyong, 2012).
The increasing availability of a variety of drugs to an ever widening
socio-economic spectrum of consumers is disconcerting. Prescription
and over the counter buying of drugs are abused when taken without the
specified medical condition and proper prescription. Some of these
drugs can be mood elevators, pain killers or antidepressants.
Prescription drugs are drugs that are certify by a medical
practitioner as a source of cure for ailment.
Drug abuse has negative impact on the education of students all over
the world. The overall health of the user is affected negatively and
behaviours associated with drug abuse predispose the abuser to crime
and contagious diseases including HIV/AIDS (Centre for Disease
Control, 2000). Drug abuse has thus become a national concern in
Nigeria, given its impacts on education and future leadership,
innovations and human resources. Students are particularly at risk
given that they are in their formative years of education, career
development, social skills and identity formation.
Despite National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
NAFDAC/NDLEA and other organization-based interventions, drug abuse is
on the rise with over 40% of students abusing various types of drugs
(Ekpenyong, 2012). Drug abuse appears to be a well entrenched
behaviour among students. Drug abuse has become a threat to the lives
and success of the youth. This is evidently a source of sorrow to
parents, guardians and relatives. It is also a big challenge to the
whole nation. Substance and drug abuse affect academic performance and
mental health, cause physiological and psychiatric disturbances and
have been perceived to be the major cause in poor academic performance
of students, physical health problem, poor finance, emotional
problems, memory impairment, risk factor for most chronic diseases,
problems with family relationships and so forth.
The consequence of chewing kola nut, taking bland coffee and other
substances that enhance one to stay awake at night could lead to
addiction and substance abuse which may result in negative health
implications and adversely affect performance in examination contrary
to the expectation of students who take it to stay awake and read at
night. Drug abuse has some educational, social, economic,
psychological, cultural, physical and moral health consequences that
may lead to low academic performance, poverty, disability,
maladjustment or death of the abusers. Its use aid crime rate,
cultism, mental illness, low self-esteem and self-respect, injuries to
one’s health, becoming a social outcast, bringing shame to their kin
and low academic performance and in some instances complete withdrawal
from school.
The present study is aimed at investigating the effect of drug abuse
and academic performance of undergraduate students of Benue State
University Makurdi. Literature review by (Ekpenyong, 2012; Larissa et
al 2013; & Johnston et al 2003) has shown that studies has been
conducted on the effect of drug abuse and academic performance of
undergraduate students in developed countries and even in other parts
of Nigeria and Benue State in the time past. Beside, some literatures
have shown contradictory views regarding the effect of drug abuse and
academic performance of undergraduate students as other studies found
a negative effect of drug abuse on academic performance while other
studies found no effect of drug abuse on academic performance of
undergraduate students.
It is therefore due to the lack of current research regarding the
subject matter in the area of the study as well as the contradictory
view regarding the findings that the present research seeks to explore
the effects of drug abuse on the academic performance of Benue State
University students.
1.3 Research Questions
The general research question is what are the effects of drug abuse on
the academic performance of undergraduate students? The specific
questions are:
What is the level of drug abuse among BSU students?
What are the reasons that propel students to engage in drug abuse?
What are the types of drugs commonly abused by undergraduate students
of Benue State University?
What are the effects of drug abuse on the academic performance of
undergraduate students of Benue State University?
What are the possible solutions of drug abuse among undergraduate
students of Benue State University Makurdi?
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this research is to determine the effects of drug abuse on
academic performance of undergraduate students of Benue State
University, Makurdi. Nigeria. The specific objectives are to:
Determine the level of drug abuse among BSU students
Examine the drugs that are mostly abuse among undergraduate students
of Benue State University.
Ascertain the causes of drug abuse among undergraduate students of
Benue State University.
To investigate the effect of drug abuse among undergraduate students
in Benue State University.
To proffer possible solutions to the menace of drug abuse among
undergraduate students of Benue State University.
Research Hypotheses
Ho. There is no significant relationship between drug abuse and
academic performance of undergraduate students.
Ha. There is a significant relationship between drug abuse and
academic performance of undergraduate students.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This research work is significant in various ways; First and foremost
this research will help in creating awareness on the need to shun acts
that are capable of leading to drug abuse among youths and students in
Nigeria. It will also help and be a valuable source of academic and
policy material on the existing body of knowledge on the subject of
drug abuse in Nigeria and its academic affect among students as other
researchers can as well build and borrow a leaf from it while carrying
out similar research. The research work will also help and assist in
strengthening the Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act as enshrine in the
constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended and
its recommendations if properly implemented will go a long way in
curtailing the menace of drug abuse in our society.
Finally, it will serve as a guide to both parents, students,
academicians, institutions, researchers and the government in
formulating policies that will help curb the menace of drug abuse and
misuse in our society.
1.6 The Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to Benue State University Makurdi
and is on the effects of drug abuse and academic performance of Benue
State University students. The study is conforming to the university
environment because of its academic importance and will be carried out
from 2002-2012. However, this research is limited to Benue State
University because of the short time within which this research work
is to conducted and lack of financial constrain of the researcher to
cover the entire state and Nigeria by extension.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Drug: A drug refers to a substance that could bring about a change in
the biological function through its chemical actions. It is also
considered as a substance that modifies perceptions, cognition, mood,
behaviour and general body functions. A drug can also be defined as
any substance, which is used for treatment or prevention of disease in
man and animals. It also entails any licit or illicit substance that
when swallowed, smoked, sniffed or injected influences the function
and operation of the body and mind.
Drug Abuse: Drug abuse is the taking of drugs or a deliberate use of
drugs for purposes other than its intended purpose without the
supervision of a physician or a medical practitioner. It also refers
to the misuse or wrong use of drugs which have adverse effects on the
central nervous system, mind, mood, behaviour and personality of the
individual. Also, it is the use of any drug to the point where it
interferes with an individual’s health or with his economic or social
adjustment. Drug abuse also involves self-administration of drug in a
manner that deviates from the approved medical and social patterns
within a given culture.
Academic performance: Academic performance is the outcome of
education, the extent to which a student, teacher or institution have
achieve their educational goal. It also describe as how well one does
in school and the achievement he/she get. Poor academic performance
entails bad grades while the desired acaedemic performance is good
grades.
.