Birth Order and Prevalence of Substance Abuse: A Descriptive Study of Annexe Patients Diagnosed with Substance Related Disorders

Abstract

The question of whether an individual’s personality can be influenced by their birth order has been researched by several professionals in  the mental health sector. Most researchers have found the latter variables to be somehow related. The current study focuses on the  prevalence of substance use disorders among individuals with different birth orders. A sample of 79 participants were selected randomly  with ages ranging from 17 to 48 years. The aim of the study was to describe the birth order and the prevalence of drug abuse. Results  showed that substance abuse was more prevalent among first- and last-born children and less prevalent in middle and second born  children and this was attributable to personality traits ascribed to each birth order and stressors they are subjected to according to their  birth order. Conclusion drawn indicated that first and last-born children were more vulnerable to substance abuse. It is recommended  that further studies be carried out ought to include more variables before drawing conclusion.