Perception and Effect of the Use of Psychoactive Substances on the Health of Young Adults (Ekpan Community Uviwe Local Government Area, Effrun Delta State, Nigeria)
Abstract
This study was on perception and effect of the use of psychoactive substance on the health of young adults. Three objectives were raised which included: To ascertain the influence young adults’ initiation, frequency, and patterns of psychoactive substance use, to know the physical, mental, and social health consequences associated with psychoactive substance use among young adults and to know extent do misperceptions about the safety or harmlessness of certain substances contribute to risky use behaviors and exacerbate health consequences. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Ekpan community uviwe local government area Effrun Delta state Nigeria. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Chapter one
Introduction
Background of the study
Young adults’ perceptions of psychoactive substance use can be influenced by numerous factors, including social norms, peer influence, media portrayals, and personal experiences. Research by Arnett (2000) suggests that during the transition to adulthood, individuals often experiment with psychoactive substances as a means of exploring their identities and asserting independence. Additionally, peer pressure and social acceptance play significant roles in shaping young adults’ perceptions of substance use (Chassin et al., 2016).
The use of psychoactive substances among young adults can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental health. For instance, research has shown that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of liver disease, cardiovascular problems, accidents, and injuries (Rehm et al., 2017). Similarly, the use of illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and opioids can lead to addiction, impaired cognitive function, mental health disorders, and social consequences (Volkow et al., 2014).
There is evidence to suggest that individuals’ perceptions of psychoactive substance use can influence their actual behavior and subsequent health outcomes. For example, studies have found that perceiving substance use as normative or socially acceptable is associated with increased substance use initiation and frequency among young adults (Neighbors et al., 2008). Moreover, misperceptions about the safety or harmlessness of certain substances can contribute to risky use patterns and exacerbate health consequences (Patrick et al., 2016).
Statement of the problem
The misuse of psychoactive substances among young adults has become a significant public health concern globally. Despite extensive research on the topic, there remains a gap in understanding the intricate interplay between perception, substance use behavior, and health outcomes among this demographic. This study aims to address the following key questions:
- What are the prevailing perceptions of psychoactive substance use among young adults, including attitudes, beliefs, and perceived social norms?
- How do these perceptions influence young adults’ initiation, frequency, and patterns of psychoactive substance use?
- What are the physical, mental, and social health consequences associated with psychoactive substance use among young adults?
- To what extent do misperceptions about the safety or harmlessness of certain substances contribute to risky use behaviors and exacerbate health consequences?
- How can a deeper understanding of these perceptions and their effects inform the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies to promote the health and well-being of young adults?
Objective of the study
The following research objectives are ascertained;
- To ascertain the influence young adults’ initiation, frequency, and patterns of psychoactive substance use
- To know the physical, mental, and social health consequences associated with psychoactive substance use among young adults
- To know extent do misperceptions about the safety or harmlessness of certain substances contribute to risky use behaviors and exacerbate health consequences
Research Hypotheses
H1: there is no influence young adults’ initiation, frequency, and patterns of psychoactive substance use
H2: there is no physical, mental, and social health consequences associated with psychoactive substance use among young adults
Significance of the study
Understanding the perception and effects of psychoactive substance use among young adults is of paramount significance due to several reasons:
- Public Health Impact: The misuse of psychoactive substances poses significant public health challenges, including increased risk of addiction, mental health disorders, injuries, and mortality among young adults. By comprehensively examining the factors influencing substance use behaviors and their health consequences, this study can inform targeted interventions to reduce the burden of substance-related harm on individuals and communities.
- Informing Prevention Strategies: By identifying the prevailing perceptions and attitudes toward psychoactive substance use, this study can inform the development of tailored prevention strategies that address the specific needs and concerns of young adults. Understanding the factors driving substance use initiation and maintenance is crucial for designing effective interventions aimed at preventing substance misuse and promoting healthier behaviors.
- Policy Implications: Findings from this study can inform the development of evidence-based policies and regulations aimed at reducing the availability and accessibility of psychoactive substances to young adults. This includes strategies such as implementing age restrictions, regulating advertising and marketing practices, and enhancing enforcement of existing laws related to substance use.
Scope of the study
The scope of the study perception and effect of the use of psychoactive substance on the health of young adults. The study will be limited to Ekpan community uviwe local government area Effrun Delta state Nigeria
Limitation of the study
While this study aims to provide valuable insights into the perception and effects of psychoactive substance use among young adults, several limitations should be acknowledged:
- Sampling Bias: The study’s findings may be limited by the characteristics of the sample population. For instance, if the sample is drawn from a specific demographic or geographic area, the results may not be generalizable to the broader population of young adults. Moreover, individuals who are more open about their substance use may be overrepresented in the sample, leading to biased findings.
- Self-Report Bias: Data collected through self-report measures, such as surveys or interviews, may be subject to recall bias and social desirability bias. Participants may underreport their substance use or provide socially desirable responses, leading to inaccuracies in the data. Additionally, self-reported health outcomes may not always align with objective measures, potentially influencing the validity of the findings.
- Cross-Sectional Design: The study’s cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causality or determine the directionality of relationships between variables. Longitudinal studies would provide more robust evidence of the temporal relationships between perceptions, substance use behaviors, and health outcomes over time.
- Measurement Issues: The measurement of variables such as perception of substance use and health outcomes may be subject to measurement error or lack of standardization. Different measurement tools or scales may yield varying results, impacting the reliability and validity of the findings. Additionally, the use of subjective measures of health outcomes may introduce variability in the interpretation of results.
Definition of terms
- Psychoactive Substance: A psychoactive substance, also known as a psychotropic drug, is a chemical substance that alters brain function and results in changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. These substances include but are not limited to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, and sedatives.
- Perception: Perception refers to the process of interpreting sensory information to understand and make sense of the world around us. In the context of this study, perception specifically relates to individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, and subjective understandings of psychoactive substance use, including perceived social norms, risks, benefits, and acceptability.
- Young Adults: Young adults typically refer to individuals in the age range of approximately 18 to 25 years old, though definitions may vary depending on cultural, social, and developmental perspectives. In this study, young adults specifically denote individuals who are in the transitional phase between adolescence and full adulthood, typically characterized by exploration, identity formation, and increasing independence.
- Health Effects: Health effects refer to the physical, mental, and social consequences or outcomes associated with psychoactive substance use. These effects may include both short-term and long-term impacts on physical health (e.g., injuries, diseases), mental health (e.g., addiction, psychiatric disorders), and social well-being (e.g., impaired relationships, social isolation).
- Misperceptions: Misperceptions refer to inaccurate or distorted beliefs, attitudes, or understandings about psychoactive substance use and its associated risks or consequences. Misperceptions may include beliefs about the safety, harmlessness, or social norms surrounding substance use that are not aligned with empirical evidence or objective reality.
- Prevention Strategies: Prevention strategies are interventions or initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence, prevalence, or negative consequences of psychoactive substance use among young adults. These strategies may include educational programs, policy interventions, community-based initiatives, and clinical interventions designed to promote healthier behaviors and reduce substance-related harm.
References
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