ABSTRACT: Background: Psychoactive substance abuse among inmates in custodial centers is a serious
public health problem. The escalating issue of public health and societal concern is on the rise, with detrimental effects across various dimensions, particularly impacting the younger demographic.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional research design employing a quantitative data collection approach was implemented for this investigation. The study focused on 376 inmates aged between 15 and 45 years within the Uyo custodial center in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The participant selection process involved a systematic sampling technique. Data collection utilized a self administered, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire adapted for this context. The collected data underwent analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23 software. Descriptive statistics were employed to present the findings, utilizing tables and figures for clarity. The relationship between categorical variables was assessed through the chi-square test. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with psychoactive substance use experiences among inmates, with statistical significance set at a p value ≤ 0.05.
Results: The mean age of respondents from this study was 29.2 ± 4.20years. The pattern of psychoactive substance use among the respondents has it that a higher proportion of respondents (63.2%) agreed that they have been smoking for more than 6 months, of which majority of the respondents (66.3%) had not tried stopping smoking. Of the proportion that often smoke cigarette, a higher proportion of respondents 52.6% agreed that smoking affect their daily routine and more than half of the respondents 53.2% smoked 5-10 wraps/ sticks per day. The determinants of psychoactive substance use among the respondents opined that a higher proportion of respondents (67.9%) smoked cigarette with friends. Of the proportion of respondents that smoked cigarette with friends, (51.9%) did it weekly. A higher proportion of respondents agreed that family members do also smoked cigarette 53.7%. A higher proportion of respondents (79%) drank alcohol with friends. Of the proportion of respondents that drank alcohol with friends, (57.0%) did it daily. However, a higher proportion of respondents who drinks alcohol (47.9%) agreed that peer pressure was the reason for drinking alcohol while (33.5%) agreed that curiosity was the reason for smoking cigarette. Respondents who smoked cigarette had 1.65 times likelihood of experiencing the use of psychoactive substance 1.65 compared to non- smokers (95% CI: 1.093-2.493). Also alcohol intake significantly (p=0.0001) increased the likelihood of being psychoactive substance user by 2.653 (95% CI: 1.741-4.044).
Conclusion: The respondents exhibited a high incidence of engaging in the use of psychoactive substances.
The findings from this investigation revealed a predominant tendency toward alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking among the majority of participants. The participants demonstrated significantly elevated levels of consequences and risk factors associated with psychoactive substance use, particularly related to alcohol and cigarette smoking. The factors perceived to influence psychoactive substance use among inmates included peer group influence, curiosity, parental guidance, and increased disposable income for leisure activities. Addressing substance use among inmates requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing correctional centers and family environments.
Keywords: psychoactive substance use, inmates, pattern and determinants
Citation
Etim, D. & Mark, A. Pattern and Determinants of the use of Psychoactive
Substances among Inmates of Uyo Custodial Center in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Global Health
Professionals Multidisciplinary Practices Journal, 2024, Vol.1, p 40-60
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