Full Project – An analysis of the conceptual knowledge of drug abuse among biology students

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Since the early times, herbs, leaves and plants have been used to heal and control diseases. The use of drugs in itself does not constitute any danger, because drugs correctly administered have been a blessing (Falco, 1988). (Sambo, 2008) viewed that “chronic use of substances can cause serious, sometimes irreversible damage to adolescent’s physical and psychological development. The use of drugs could be beneficial or harmful depending on the mode of use.

A drug refers to a substance that could bring about a change in the biological function of the body through its chemical actions (Okoye, 2001). It is also considered as a substance that modifies perceptions, cognition, mood, behaviour and general body functions (Balogun, 2006). They could thus, be considered as chemical modifiers of the living tissues that could bring about physiological and behavioural changes in the body (Nnachi, 2007).

Drug abuse is a major public health problem all over the world (UNODC) (2005). The use and abuse of drugs by adolescents have become one of the most disturbing health related phenomena in Nigeria and other parts of the world (NDLEA; 1997).Several school going adolescents experience mental health programme, either temporarily or for a long period of time. Some become insane, maladjusted to school situations and eventually drop out of school.

According to Fawa (2003), “Drug is defined as any substance, which is used for treatment or prevention of a disease in man and animals. Drug alters the body functions either positively or otherwise depending on the body composition of the user, the type of drug used, the amount used and whether used singly or with other drugs at the same time”.

NAFDAC (2000) as cited by Haladu(2003) explained the term drug abuse as excessive and persistent self-administration of a drug without regard to the medically or culturally accepted patterns. It could also be viewed as the use of a drug to the extent that it interferes with the health and social function of an individual. World Book Encyclopedia (2004) defined drug abuse as the non-medical use of a drug that interferes with a healthy and productive life (Manbe, 2008) defined drug abuse as the excessive, maladaptive or addictive use of drugs for non-medical purpose.

Abdulahi (2009) viewed drug abuse as the use of drugs to the extent that interferes with the health and social function of an individual. In essence, drug abuse may be defined as the arbitrary overdependence or mis-use of one particular drug with or without a prior medical diagnosis from qualified health practitioners. It can also be viewed as the unlawful overdose in the use of drug(s).

Odejide (2000) warned that drug abusers who exhibit symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, behaviour changes, fatigue and loss or increase in appetite should be treated by medical experts and counsellors to save them from deadly diseases.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Students, in Federal College of Education Kano tend to see the drug user as one who is tough, bold and strong. Many youngsters have been known to use drugs at the insistence of peers, elders or siblings. Students who usually feel inadequate have been known to use drugs to achieve social acceptance. Esen (1979) stated that Nigerian adolescents under the influence of Indian hemp shed all inhibitions and produce behaviour that is inconsistent with school discipline. He went further to observe that the increasing incidence of drug abuse among F.C.E Kano students is a contributory factor in the ugly confrontation between school administration and students. Several authors, (Odejide, 1979; Ogunremi and Rotimi, 1979; Agunlana, 1999; Ubom, 2004; Obiamaka, 2004; and Okorodudu and Okorodudu, 2004) in their research work indicated that the problem of drug abuse know no boundaries or social class. It impedes the development of any society as it is a threat to life, health, dignity and prosperity of all individuals.

This study is set to analyze the conceptual knowledge of drug abuse among the Biology students of Federal College of Education Kano.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To investigate the effect of drug abuse on the academic performance of students in F.C.E Kano.
To find out the negative impacts of drug abuse on Biology students in F.C.E Kano.
Identify the most commonly abused substances or drugs among the students
To recommend remedial measures of drug abuse among the Biology students of F.C.E Kano.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The study is relevant to student, parents, social workers, educators, counselors, psychiatrists, policy makers and NGO’s which deal with drug abuse. The study will contribute to knowledge among various stakeholders, such as National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

1.5 Research Questions

What is the effect of drug abuse on the academic performance of students in F.C.E Kano?
What are the negative impacts of drug abuse on Biology students in F.C.E Kano?
What is the most commonly abused substances or drugs among the students?
What are the remedial measures of drug abuse among the Biology students of F.C.E Kano?

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study is limited to Biology student of Federal College of Education, Kano. The researchers encountered problem of finance, in terms of distribution and printing of questionnaires and collection of data from the school.

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