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VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Physical health Effects of Substance Abuse Among secondary school students in Kokona local government area, Nasarawa state, Nigeria
Authors
Jibrin M D, Waziri Bala Kwata, Wamanyi Y, Zar V D, Ibrahim Umar
Abstract
Substance abuse among adolescents has become a
significant public health concern worldwide, particularly among secondary
school students who are at a critical developmental stage. This study
investigated the physical health effects of substance abuse among secondary
school students in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The
study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population
consisted of secondary school students in Kokona LGA. A sample of 400 students
was selected using stratified random sampling techniques. Data were collected
using a structured questionnaire titled Physical Health Effects of Substance
Abuse Questionnaire (PHESAQ). The instrument was validated by experts in
health, education and educational psychology. Reliability was determined using
Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.82. Data collected were analyzed
using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard
deviation. The findings revealed that commonly abused substances among students
include alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis, and tramadol. The study further revealed
that substance abuse contributes to several physical health problems among
students such as respiratory complications, fatigue, weakened immune system,
loss of appetite, headaches, and cardiovascular complications. The study
concluded that substance abuse has significant negative effects on the physical
health of secondary school students in Kokona LGA. It was recommended that
health education programs, parental monitoring, and government policies should
be strengthened to reduce substance abuse among adolescents.
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Pages:108-113
How to cite this article:
Jibrin M D, Waziri Bala Kwata, Wamanyi Y, Zar V D, Ibrahim Umar "Physical health Effects of Substance Abuse Among secondary school students in Kokona local government area, Nasarawa state, Nigeria". International Journal of Medical and Health Research, Vol 12, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 108-113
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