Community-Based Analysis of Drug Use Patterns and Academic Performance among Students in Health Training Institutions in Northern Adamawa State, Nigeria

Drug abuse among students in health training institutions is an emerging public health concern with implications for academic achievement, professional competence, and community health outcomes. This study examined the prevalence, patterns, determinants, and academic consequences of substance use among students enrolled in three major health training institutions in Northern Adamawa State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using a multistage sampling procedure to select 430 respondents, enhancing statistical power and analytic rigor. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire informed by the WHO-ASSIST and DAST-10 instruments, with reliability confirmed at α = 0.86. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression were used for analysis at a significance level of p < .05. Findings showed that 41.9% of students reported lifetime use of at least one psychoactive substance, while 28.6% reported current use. Tramadol (31.1%), cannabis (25.3%), codeine-based syrups (18.2%), alcohol (20.4%), and cigarettes (13.7%) were the most commonly abused substances. Significant predictors of drug use included peer influence (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.75–4.59), stress (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.18–3.26), family drug-use history (AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.22–3.65) and male gender (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.15–3.06). Drug use significantly predicted poor academic performance (AOR = 3.42; 95% CI: 2.09–5.59).The study concludes that drug abuse is prevalent among students in health training institutions and negatively affects their academic outcomes. It recommends strengthened prevention strategies, regular drug education, mental health support, and improved institutional monitoring frameworks.

Drug abuse, academic performance, health training

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