PERCEIVED RELATIONSHIP OF DRUG ABUSE AND POOR HEALTH IMPLICATION AMONG EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE

This study examines the perceived relationship between drug abuse and poor health implications among undergraduate students at Ekiti State University. The research investigates students' awareness of various substances commonly abused on campus, their perceptions regarding the connection between drug abuse and deteriorating health outcomes, and the factors that influence these perceptions among the student population. The findings reveal that undergraduate students generally recognize a strong correlation between drug abuse and negative health consequences, including both physical and mental health deterioration. Students identified several commonly abused substances on campus, with alcohol, cannabis, tramadol, and codeine-containing medications being the most frequently mentioned. Their perceptions were largely shaped by personal observations, peer experiences, academic knowledge, and public health campaigns within the university environment. The research further indicates that while most students acknowledge the harmful health effects of drug abuse, there exists a concerning gap between this awareness and actual behavior among certain segments of the student population. Factors such as peer pressure, academic stress, social norms, and limited access to mental health support services were identified as significant influences on both drug use patterns and health perceptions among the students. This study underscores the importance of targeted educational interventions, enhanced counseling services, and policy implementation within the university setting to address drug abuse and its health implications. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive approaches that not only focus on raising awareness but also on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to drug abuse among undergraduate students at Ekiti State University.