Cannabis and tobacco use among undergraduate students of a private university in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Psychoactive substance use is a growing Public Health Challenge in Nigeria, especially among vulnerable populations such as University undergraduates. Cannabis is reported as the most illicit substance of abuse. These psychoactive substances have addictive properties with grave health and public health implications. This study assessed cannabis and tobacco use among undergraduates of a private university in Benin City, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to recruit 88 who completed a pretested questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic variables and questions concerning substance use. The life time use of cannabis and Tobacco were 35(39.8%) and 38(43.2%) respectively. Age on onset of use was younger for tobacco 21(55.3%) than for Cannabis which was 31(88.6%). Thirty (85.7%) and 26(68.4%) of male respondents used cannabis and tobacco respectively. In relation to effect of substance use on relationship with family and friends 30(85.7%) and 30(78.9%) respondents reported strained relationship as a result of cannabis and tobacco use respectively. Furthermore, 29(82.9%) and 5(13.2%) of respondents reported negative influence on academic performance from cannabis and tobacco use respectively. Sex of respondents (p=0.007), Alcohol use (p˂0.001), Poor Academic performance (p˂0.001), Gambling (p˂0.001) and Strain on Relationship (p˂0.001) were significant  factors associated with cannabis use among undergraduate respondents studied in Edo State.

Keywords: Cannabis, Edo, Tobacco, Undergraduates, University