INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED LONELINESS, PEER PRESSURE, AND DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG UNDREGRADTE STUDENTS OF THE BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI

Abstract Substance abuse among university students remains a significant public health concern, necessitating research on potential predictors. This study examines the influence of perceived loneliness, peer pressure, and demographic factors on substance abuse among undergraduate students of the Benue State University, Makurdi. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a sample of 300 students and analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that perceived loneliness had a significant negative influence on substance abuse (β = -0.286, p = .000), suggesting that students experiencing loneliness were less likely to engage in substance use. Peer pressure also significantly predicted substance abuse (β = -0.264, p = .000), indicating that students facing peer pressure were less likely to use substances, possibly due to protective peer influences. Additionally, demographic factors had a significant impact (β = -0.264, p = .000), implying that background characteristics such as socioeconomic status and religious affiliation might serve as protective factors. When examined collectively, loneliness did not significantly predict substance abuse, while peer pressure and demographic factors remained significant. However, the overall model explained only 2.4% of the variance in substance abuse, suggesting that other unmeasured factors contribute to students’ substance use behaviors. These findings challenge traditional assumptions about peer pressure and loneliness in substance abuse and highlight the role of demographic influences. The study recommends strengthening positive peer networks, leveraging demographic protective factors, implementing targeted prevention programs, and enhancing mental health support services. Future research should explore additional psychological and environmental variables influencing substance abuse among students.