Knowledge of the Negative Health Outcomes of Substance Use Among Secondary School: a Study of University of Nigeria Secondary School, Nsukka.

ABSTRACT This study examined knowledge of the negative health outcomes of substance use among secondary school students in Nsukka. The study was guided by four specific objectives and four corresponding research questions. This study employed a descriptive and quantitative research design. The population of the study consist of students from University of Nigeria secondary school within the age range of 12 years – 18 years. The projected student population for University of Nigeria secondary school in 2024 was estimated to be about 1000. The sample size for the study was 204. The study employed a simple random sampling method. The instrument of data collection for the study was a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize the main features of the data. Simple percentage was used to analyze the responses. The finding of the study revealed that young people who have good parental upbringing are likely to be aware of the negative health outcome of substance use. Young people who have formal education are more likely to be aware of the negative health outcome of substance use. Additionally, young people who reside in rural area are not likely to be aware of the negative health outcome of substance use. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among other things that University of Nigeria secondary school authority should establish peer-to-peer programs where older students can educate younger students about the risks of substance use.