AWARENESS OF INFLUENCE OF DRUG USE FOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG STUDENTS IN ACHIEVERS UNIVERSITY,OWO,ONDO STATE,NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT Drug use remains a significant public health concern worldwide, with profound implications for the well-being of both youths and adults. Amidst the challenges of navigating higher education, university students are a unique demographic with distinct needs and considerations regarding their overall health. Assessing the influence of drug use for academic performance among this population is a crucial component of public health policy and practice. This study assessed the influence of drug use for academic performance among students in Achievers University, Owo, Ondo state. Theoretical and empirical literatures were reviewed in line with the study objectives. The Differential association Theory was the theoretical framework for the study. A descriptive research design and random sampling technique was adopted for the study and Taro Yamane formula of population size determination was used to select a representative sample of 352 respondents for the study. Data for analysis was collected using a self-structured questionnaire and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, using descriptive analysis and Chi-Square for testing the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Ethical consideration was obtained as required. The findings of the study revealed a low influence of illicit drugs of 64.8%, lower perceived negative impact of drug of 51.7%, and poor academic performance due to drug use of 56.8% among respondents. Additionally, the study found a significant relationship between the age of students and influence of drug use among respondents (P=0.0001). The researcher recommends that students should be engaged in performing physical activities such as sports to divert their minds with extracurricular activities.