INFLUENCE OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON SEXUAL TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG STUDENTS IN PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY, ANYIGBA
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of substance abuse on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among undergraduate students of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria. Adopting a descriptive survey research design within a sociological framework, the study targeted the university’s undergraduate population (estimated over 20,000 students). A sample of 400 students was selected through stratified random sampling across faculties and levels of study.
A structured questionnaire titled “Substance Abuse and STDs Influence Questionnaire” (SASIQ), validated by experts and with a Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.87, served as the primary instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (chi-square test of independence) at a 0.05 level of significance with SPSS version 26.
Findings revealed a lifetime prevalence of substance abuse at 31.8% and current (past 30 days) use at 22.5%. Alcohol was the most commonly abused substance (58.7% of users), followed by cannabis (42.3%), tramadol/codeine (28.6%), and tobacco (19.4%). Self-reported lifetime STD prevalence was 14.2% overall but significantly higher among substance users (23.7%) compared to non-users (8.9%). Substance abuse showed a strong statistical association with risky sexual behaviors, including multiple sexual partners (χ² = 52.34, p < 0.001), unprotected sex (χ² = 41.67, p < 0.001), and sex under the influence of substances (χ² = 48.92, p < 0.001). Common STDs reported included gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV (with higher awareness of HIV but low consistent condom use at 37.4%).
The study concluded that substance abuse significantly influences the occurrence and spread of STDs among PAAU students through impaired judgment, reduced inhibitions, and increased engagement in high-risk sexual practices. Sociologically, peer influence, academic stress, and weak institutional controls were identified as key enabling factors. Recommendations include the establishment of a functional university counseling and rehabilitation center, integration of substance abuse and sexual health education into General Studies (GST) courses, regular peer-led sensitization programs in collaboration with NDLEA, stricter enforcement of anti-drug policies on campus, and community outreach involving parents and religious leaders
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