PERCEIVED INFLUENCE OF SELECTED PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES ON SCHOOL PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ONDO STATE

Abstract

The study identified the Psychoactive Substances (PS) perceived to be commonly used by students of tertiary institutions in Ondo State, and examined the reasons for using PS among the students. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The population for the study consisted of students of the tertiary institutions in Ondo State. The sample comprised a total of 300 respondents from tertiary institutions in the State who were selected using multistage sampling procedure. Tertiary institutions in Ondo State were stratified into University, College of Education and Polytechnic. Simple random sampling technique was used to select two institutions from each stratum. Six institutions were selected using simple random sampling technique. Lastly, a sample of 50 students per institution was selected using convenience sampling technique. A selfdesigned and validated questionnaire titled Psychoactive Substances and School Performance (PSSP) was used to collect data for the study. Data collected were analysed using percentage, mean and graphical representations. The results showed that depressant was perceived to be the most commonly used group of PS 329 (33.78%). Specifically, in their different groups, tramadol (65.2%); alcohol (40.7%) and codeine (26.1%) were perceived to be commonly used PS among the students. The perceived reasons for students’ use of PS were to get high (149; 22.7%); secure confidence (91; 14.24%) and enjoy sex (72; 11.26%). Respondents perceived that PS use had influence on school activities regarding; users’ relationship with lecturers and colleagues (75.0%) and violent behaviours (71.0%) respectively. Results also showed that 198 (66%) respondents perceived that PS use had negative influence on school academic regarding examination results. The study concluded that psychoactive substances use negatively impacted tertiary institution students’ school performance in Ondo State.