Substance use among healthcare workers in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background: Research studies abound on substance use among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the western world, but a paucity of such information is the case in developing countries. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of substance use among HCWs in a Nigerian tertiary hospital and the variety of substances commonly used. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 HCWs selected across 4 professional cadres by stratified random sampling method. Results: About 85.5% of the respondents were past and/or current users of substances or substance-containing food items. Out of the 325 respondents who had ever used substances before, 208 (64%) were current users- these represented 54.7% of the whole. Coffee, alcohol and kolanuts were most frequently used. Diazepam was the least used. Gender was a statistically significant determinant of substance use (p<0.05). Conclusion: Substance use among HCWs carries grave implications for practitioners and patients alike. Further research towards unearthing and addressing the factors fueling this menace in developing countries will contribute immensely in resolving this challenge.