PREVALENCE OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY AKUNGBA AKOKO, ONDO STATE

This study assessed the prevalence of Drug abuse among undergraduate students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 200 undergraduate students of AAUA being the respondents selected across the faculties through simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, correlation and T-test. The results revealed that alcohol (42.5%) and marijuana (25.0%) were the most frequently used substances, with peers identified as the primary source of access. ANOVA indicated a significant difference in attitudes across age groups (F(4,195) = 2.435, p < 0.05), with older students (26–30 years) showing more permissive attitudes compared to younger peers. The t-test showed a significant gender difference (t(198) = 2.215, p < 0.05), as male students reported more favorable attitudes toward drug use than females. Correlation results demonstrated significant positive relationships between perceived causes, impacts, and knowledge of drug abuse (p < 0.01), suggesting that awareness of consequences does not necessarily translate into reduced use. Findings highlight the role of peer pressure, stress, and frustration as key drivers of substance abuse, while negative outcomes such as poor academic performance, moral decline, and health risks were strongly acknowledged. The study concludes that although awareness of drug-related risks is high, permissive attitudes and peer influence sustain usage. It recommends targeted behavioral interventions, peer-led campaigns, and institutional policies to mitigate drug abuse among students. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Undergraduate Students.