Determinants of Substance Use Among Undergraduates

Background: Substance use is an increasing global public health and socioeconomic concern. Commonly used substances such as marijuana, alcohol, vape, nicotine, and cannabis are classified as drugs (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2018). These psychoactive substances pose serious health and social risks not only to the users but also to their families and communities. This study aimed to examine the determinants of substance use among undergraduates in a private university located in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. The study assessed four key factors knowledge, attitude, perception, and religion using a cross-sectional research design. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires. The instruments were validated by the researchers’ supervisors, and both descriptive and regression analyses were used to interpret the data at a 0.05 significance level. Results showed that 63.7% of respondents were aged 16–20 years, with a mean age of 20. Most respondents were male (64.5%), and a slight majority identified as Christians (53.5%). A significant proportion (82.5%) had good knowledge of substance use. Knowledge (r = -0.145, p = 0.006), attitude (r = -0.245, p < 0.001), and religion (r = -0.227, p < 0.001) were significantly and negatively correlated with substance use, while perception (r = 0.083, p = 0.118) was weak and not significant. In conclusion, knowledge, attitude, and religion had significant influence on substance use among undergraduates, while perception did not. Despite a generally low prevalence and high awareness, continuous intervention is necessary. Programs that reshape attitudes and reinforce knowledge especially through education and faith-based initiatives can promote healthier, informed decisions among students.