Drug use and multidimensional work performance in a sample of police men in Nigeria

Abstract

Drug use among policemen in Nigeria has received a disproportionately scanty research attention. More importantly, the association  between drug use and counterproductive work behaviour among members of this vital state agency has not been empirically investigated. Insights into these issues will not only provide useful information but will also form a strong basis for relevant  intervention. In this cross-sectional survey, we explored drug use among police officers in Akwa Ibom state and the extent to which drug use predicted various domains of work performance. Using standardized measures of drug use and work performance, we interviewed 389 officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force, purposively selected from many stations and posts across the Akwa Ibom state command. Results of the inter-correlational analysis indicates that the younger a policeman is, the more his or her level of drug use (r = -0.26). Sex and number of years of work experience of policemen are not significantly associated with drug use. A strong association was found between drug use and various domains of work behavior as well as counterproductive work performance,  indicating that policemen who are higher on drug use are also more likely to be involved in counterproductive work performance. It is recommended that the Nigerian Police should establish / equip a unit in each command to routinely screen for drug use and refer officers involved for addiction treatment.

Keywords: Drug use, work performance, policemen