Sociodemographic variables, family dynamics, Self esteem and Emotional Intelligence among respondents with and without Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders in a Nigerian State; A comparative Study

Abstract Background: Psychoactive substance use disorder is a major public health concern in Nigeria, especially among youths, influenced by sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, but comparative clinical evidence remains scarce. Objective: To examine and compare sociodemographic characteristics, family dynamics, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence among respondents with and without psychoactive substance use disorders in a Nigerian state. Methods: This hospital-based comparative study was conducted in Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria. A total of 400 participants were recruited using multistage and systematic random sampling—200 patients diagnosed with PSUD from neuropsychiatric and rehabilitation facilities, and 200 age- and gender-matched non-users attending the General Outpatient Department. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES III). Yoruba versions of the tools underwent rigorous translation and pilot testing. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Respondents with PSUD were predominantly young males (mean age: 26.46 ± 6.90 years). Significant associations were found between PSUD and marital status, educational level, income, family history of substance use, perceived social support, and stigma (p < 0.001). Psychosocial factors showed strong relationships with PSUD: respondents from unbalanced family settings had a significantly higher prevalence of PSUD (χ² = 24.063, p = 0.001); low self-esteem was strongly associated with PSUD (χ² = 58.604, p = 0.001); and lower emotional intelligence markedly increased PSUD risk, while no respondent with high EI had PSUD (χ² = 152.585, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Psychoactive substance use disorder is driven by social, familial, and emotional factors, and addressing these through targeted interventions may improve prevention and treatment outcomes in Nigeria.