Drug Abuse Knowledge and Attitudes Among Secondary School Students in Owo, Nigeria: Gender and School Type Comparisons

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A study by Ohis et al. (2025) titled “Assessment and comparison of the knowledge and attitudes toward drug abuse among male and female secondary school students in Owo, Ondo State” published in the African Journal of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (AJADA). reveals that secondary school students in Owo show high awareness of drug abuse but possess incomplete knowledge and misconceptions about abusable substances.

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Secondary school students in Owo show high awareness of drug abuse but retain misconceptions, highlighting the need for improved education.
– Ohis et al. 2025

The study examines the pressing issue of adolescent drug abuse in Nigeria, with a focus on secondary school students in Owo. The primary objectives were to assess students’ knowledge and attitudes toward drug abuse and to compare these factors across gender (male vs. female) and school type (public vs. private). Findings revealed a high level of awareness, as 97.6% of students had prior knowledge of drug abuse and 92.7% reported receiving formal education on the subject. Schools were the most common source of information (88.2%), while the perceived consequences of drug abuse were largely understood, with death cited by 79.4% of respondents as the most recognized outcome. When comparing groups, there was no statistically significant difference in knowledge or attitudes between male and female students, nor between public and private school students. However, despite the generally strong understanding of drug abuse and its risks, some misconceptions persist—for example, a number of students believed that only tablets and capsules could be abused. The study highlights the need for enhanced and standardized drug education programs that address these misconceptions, while ensuring equal attention is given to both genders and all school types. It further calls for continued research into the long-term behavioral impacts and socio-cultural factors influencing adolescent drug abuse.

How the Study was Conducted

The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design, collecting data at a single point in time to evaluate and compare secondary school students’ knowledge and attitudes toward drug abuse in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. A total of 491 students, both male and female, aged between 13 and 19 years, were drawn from three schools: Complete Child Secondary School, Imade College, and St. Louis Grammar School.

Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire that covered demographic details (such as age, gender, and school type), awareness and knowledge of drug abuse, sources of information about drugs, and perceptions and attitudes toward drug use. To analyze the responses, the researchers applied Z-tests to identify significant differences in knowledge and attitudes across gender (male vs. female) and school type (public vs. private), with a p-value of less than 0.05 set as the threshold for statistical significance.

Ethical considerations were carefully observed: participation was voluntary, confidentiality was guaranteed, and students were fully informed about the study’s purpose before providing consent. This methodology offered a clear snapshot of students’ awareness and receptiveness regarding drug abuse while highlighting the potential influence of gender and school type on their perspectives.

What the Authors Found

The authors found that secondary school students in Owo, Ondo State, have a very high level of awareness about drug abuse, but their knowledge is incomplete and sometimes inaccurate, with common misconceptions about which substances can be abused.

Additionally, while awareness and attitudes did not significantly differ by gender or school type, the study highlights the need for more comprehensive, standardized, and nuanced drug education to correct misconceptions and deepen students’ understanding of the consequences of drug abuse.

Why is this important

Early Intervention: Adolescence is a crucial stage for shaping behavior, and identifying gaps in students’ knowledge allows for timely prevention of drug abuse.

Education System Role: Since schools are the main source of information, the study underscores the need for standardized, accurate, and engaging drug education across both public and private schools.

Addressing Misconceptions: Despite high awareness, widespread misconceptions remain, showing that current education efforts require improvement to ensure students understand the full scope of drug abuse.

Equity in Interventions: By finding no significant differences across gender or school type, the study highlights the importance of designing inclusive, unbiased prevention strategies.

Policy and Social Impact: The findings provide a foundation for policymakers to develop targeted awareness campaigns, strengthen teacher training, and ultimately reduce the broader societal impact of adolescent drug abuse.

What the Authors Recommended

• to extend support beyond the school environment.

In conclusion, the study by Ohis et al. (2025) reveals that while secondary school students in Owo, Ondo State, demonstrate high awareness of drug abuse, their understanding remains incomplete and clouded by misconceptions. By emphasizing standardized education, inclusive interventions, and active involvement of schools, families, and communities, Nigeria can build a stronger foundation for preventing adolescent drug abuse. These findings not only guide policymakers and educators but also highlight the urgent need for sustained research and collaborative efforts to protect young people and secure a healthier future.