Moruf L. Adelekan

Psychosocial correlates of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use: findings from a Nigerian university.

The possible correlates of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use were investigated in a survey conducted among undergraduate students of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Factors that emerged as common correlates to the three substances investigated were peer influence, self-reported poor mental health, religiousity, parental/guardian supervision, perceived availability and perceived harmfulness. In addition, drinking and smoking were found to be commoner among the male sex and among respondents who reported study difficulty. There was also a significant positive relationship between cannabis use and a polygamous family background and belonging to an older age group. Although the data used in the analysis is limited due to its cross-sectional nature, the observations made are useful enough for the formulation of primary prevention strategies. A further and more elaborate longitudinal study is, however, suggested.

The reliability and validity of the WHO student drug-use questionnaire among Nigerian students

The reliability and validity of the World Health Organization student drug-use survey model questionnaire was tested among 96 senior secondary school students in the Abeokuta Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. The exercise was the major theme of a pilot study of a student drug-use survey carried out in this area. The test-retest interval was 4 weeks. The questionnaire was found to be reliable when group and individual (item by item) comparisons were made. The validity scores were also comparable to those of widely accepted previous studies. It was concluded that the questionnaire is reliable and valid enough for use in this environment to allow for comparisons. It can also yield better results if slightly modified and when respondents become more familiar with questionnaire surveys.

Monitoring Trends in Substance Use through a Repeat Cross-sectional Survey in a Nigerian University

This report gives recent information on the trends in substance use in a group of university students in Nigeria. The data was derived from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1988 and 1993 in a representative sample of undergraduates of University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The study population involved 10% of the total student enrolment (649 in 1988 and 859 in 1993) randomly selected to complete a 117-item student substance-use questionnaire. The findings show that in 1993, there was a significant reduction in the current use of alcohol, cigarettes and salicylate analgesics, and in the lifetime use of alcohol, cigarettes, salicylate analgesics, stimulants and hypnosedatives. This reduction affected both sexes almost equally. However, a significant increase was recorded for the current non-medical use of antibiotics, and in the lifetime use of organic solvents. Usage rates were stable for the low-use substances such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin. The pattern of use of the commonly used substances remaine...

Reliability and validity of the Westminster Substance Use Questionnaire among Lancashire adolescents

The reliability and validity of the Westminster Substance Use Questionnaire (WASQ) was examined in a pilot study involving a sample of secondary school pupils in Blackburn borough, Lancashire, UK. The questionnaire performed well on all the indices tested and the findings of the exercise facilitated a fairly accurate and meaningful interpretation of the prevalence data obtained in the main study. The instrument is thus recommended for use in adolescent substance use surveys in the UK and elsewhere although further validation or slight modification may be necessary to suit local needs.

Substance Use Among Secondary School Pupils in Blackburn Borough

The self-report questionnaire method was employed to determine the prevalence and pattern of drinking, smoking and illicit substance use among 2888 11-16-year-olds in Blackburn secondary schools. Substances reported most commonly used were alcohol, cigarettes, hallucinogenic substances, glue/solvents and cannabis. Use increased steadily with advancing school year. Boys were significantly greater users of cannabis and hallucinogenic substances. The baseline data provided could form the basis of a well-targeted preventative programme. The need for more comprehensive surveys, preferably longitudinal in design, is stressed.

Secondary School Teachers' Knowledge and Views about Drug Abuse in Ogun State, Nigeria—A Pilot Survey

The views and knowledge level of 135 randomly selected secondary school teachers in the Abeokuta Local Government Area of Ogun State in Nigeria on drug abuse were sought through a self-report anonymous questionnaire. The respondents were mostly male (59.3%) under the age of thirty years (89.6%). The majority (59.3%) were never exposed to drug education as students while less than 20 percent have been exposed since qualifying as teachers. Although the majority had a good concept of the definition of drug abuse, their views on the potential drugs of abuse and the concept of “drug dependence” were inadequate. Eighty-five and nine-tenths percent chose “guidance counselling” as the approach to the management of student drug abusers despite the dearth of this professional cadre in the schools. The authors gave suggestions on the pattern and content of teacher-targeted formal drug education program in light of the findings.

West African Subregion: An overview of substance abuse problems

The limited available data indicate that substances known to be abused in the west African subregion include alcohol, cannabis, psychotropic drugs, heroin, cocaine and other synthetic narcotic analgesics. The current major concern is the increased trafficking in, and abuse of, heroin and cocaine. A disquieting trend is the report of the development of drug injecting, particularly among inaccessible populations of hard drug users. The health care system is beset with multiple problems, and may not be able to cope with an additional marked rise in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne disorders arising from the rapid diffusion of drug injecting. Drug control strategy in the subregion hinges on a combination of supply control and demand reduction programmes. Although the demand reduction strategy is now being pursued with greater zeal, there is an urgent need to develop standard manuals and to evaluate the component programmes. The national coordinating bodies need to be strengthened and the curre...

Rapid assessment and response is an increasingly popular and useful method in Sub-Saharan Africa

Neil McKeganey’s critical commentary on the method of Rapid Assessment and Response (RAR) (McKeganey, 2000), while identifying its unique features and perceived advantages, expresses reservation on several aspects of the method as contained in the World Health Organization (WHO) RAR Guides (WHO, 1998; WHO/UNAIDS, 1998). The specific aspects of the RAR method which were put under the searchlight include claims on its cost effectiveness, its use of inductive enquiry and multiple levels of investigation, and its emphasis on practical adequacy rather than scientific perfection. This response is informed by three key factors: (1) my close involvement in the development of the WHO RAR Guide on Injecting Drug Use, having anchored its pilot testing in Lagos in 1997; (2) the training I have received on the use of the RAR method through a workshop organized by WHO, and my service as a trainer and resource person on the RAR method internationally (Malaysia, 1997; Brazil, 1998; Geneva, 1998; Nairobi, 1998; Nigeria, 1997–1999); and (4) my personal involvement as a consultant and researcher in recently conducted United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) RAR surveys in Nigeria.