PERCEIVED PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF SUBSTANCE USE ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN SELECTED GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, OSUN STATE.
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Authors
Aduramo E.
Faniran S.O.
Akinwale O.D.
Elizabeth O.
Falade, O. O.
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2025
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Article
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Background: Adolescent substance use is a growing global public health concern, with well-documented psychosocial and developmental consequences. The rising rate of consumption of alcohol, marijuana, and other psychoactive substances has been linked to cognitive impairment, psychological distress, and deteriorating quality of life. In Nigeria, despite institutional interventions, substance use remains prevalent among secondary school students, with its psychosocial effects underexplored in local contexts. Objective(s): To assess the perceived psychosocial impact of substance use on the quality of life among adolescents in selected government secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria. Method(s): A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 159 adolescents recruited from two purposively selected public secondary schools in Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire addressing sociodemographics, substance use patterns, and perceived psychosocial effects. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS version 22, with significance set at p < 0.05. Result(s): The prevalence of substance use was 32.7%, with marijuana 19 (11.9%) being the most used substance. Peer pressure 79 (49.7%) was identified as the predominant influencing factor. Perceived psychological impacts included impaired cognition 92 (57.8%), emotional distress 86 (54.1%), and mental disorder 98 (61.6%). Sociological effects included isolation, strained relationships, and reduced academic engagement (79.8%). Statistically significant associations were observed between substance use and gender, age, and class level. Conclusion(s): Substance use significantly compromises adolescents' psychological and social well-being. Findings from this study emphasize the need for targeted interventions that incorporate peer-led education, school-based mental health promotion, and community strategies to improve adolescent quality of life. Copyright © 2025, The Authors. All rights reserved.
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