ASSESSMENT OF PEER GROUP INFLUENCE ON THE USE AND ABUSE OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN STATE AND FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NORTHERN STATE, NIGERIA
*1Aliyu, M., Abubakar Y., Abdullahi, Y., 2Lekunze, M.J., 2Wirba, I., and 2Dongs, I.S.
1Department of Human kinetics and Health Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
2International University Bamenda, Cameroon
Email: draliyukutigi@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT: Peer group pressure plays a major role in influence of many youths into psychoactive substance use and abuse among youth especially the undergraduates Nigeria. The study investigated the peer group influence on the use/abuse of psychoactive substances among Undergraduates in selected State and Federal Universities in Northern Stale of Nigeria. One research question and one hypothesis guided the study. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. 420 students were selected through a stratified random sampling technique from three federal and three state universities and subsequently used as respondents. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to determine the reliability coefficient and reliability of 0.96 was obtained. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings revealed that the incidence of psychoactive substance abuse among the Undergraduates was real and persuasive. Furthermore, peer group influenced the use and abuse of psychoactive substances among Undergraduates in selected Federal and State Universities in Northern State, Nigeria. Based on the findings from the study, it was recommended that peer group influence should be monitored by the university authorities.
Key Words: Peer group, Psychoactive substances, Abuse and Undergraduates.
