SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND FAMILIAR RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG ABUSE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Drug abuse among adolescents has become a significant public health and social concern in Nigeria, with increasing prevalence in secondary schools. This study investigated the socio-economic and familial risk factors associated with drug abuse among secondary school students in Niger State. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, involving 400 students selected from 10 public and private secondary schools across three Local Government Areas (Minna, Suleja, and Bida). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results revealed that low family income (68.5%), parental neglect (72.3%), peer pressure (81.0%), and family history of substance use (55.0%) were significantly associated with drug abuse. Commonly abused substances included codeine-containing syrup (45.5%), cannabis (38.8%), and tramadol (30.0%). The study concludes that both socio-economic deprivation and weak family structures are major drivers of adolescent drug abuse in Niger State. Recommendations include school-based prevention programs, parental skills training, and economic support for vulnerable families.