ASSESMENT OF DETERMINANTS OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL WITHIN BAUCHI METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT Drug abuse among youths, particularly senior secondary school students, has become a significant public health and social issue in Nigeria. This study assesses the determinants of drug abuse among senior secondary school students in Bauchi metropolis. The research identifies key factors contributing to drug abuse, including peer influence, family background, socio-economic status, academic pressure, and the accessibility of drugs. A descriptive survey research design was employed, with a structured questionnaire used to collect data from 200 randomly selected students across ten secondary schools in Bauchi metropolis. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including frequency distribution tables and chi-square tests. The findings reveal that peer pressure is the most influential factor driving drug abuse among students, followed by family instability and exposure to an environment where drug use is normalized. The study also shows that students who have easy access to drugs are more likely to engage in substance abuse. The consequences of drug abuse among secondary school students were found to include poor academic performance, increased dropout rates, health complications, and a rise in deviant behaviors. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted intervention strategies such as school-based awareness programs, parental involvement, stricter drug enforcement policies, and the establishment of counseling centers within schools to support affected students. This research contributes to existing knowledge on adolescent drug abuse and provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals in developing effective strategies to combat drug abuse among youths in Nigeria.