Dating preferences and social attraction to substance users among college students in Nigeria

Abstract

Not much is known about dating preferences and social factors that attract substance users to college students in Nigeria. We surveyed 230 college students from a Southwest Nigerian Institution. Comparatively, those who preferred dating alcohol users made up the highest percentage of respondents (35.2%), followed by those who preferred dating tobacco users(30.9%) . Significant differences were only seen across age groups in choice of dating partners who abuse substances. Type of substance use by partner largely accounted for dating preferences. Social attributes enhanced dating choices among college students.

Keywords: dating, substance use. College students, social attraction. Preferences.