ASSESSMENT OF DRUG ABUSE AS CORRELATE OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADOLESCENTS' TRUANCY BEHAVIOUR IN BENIN METROPOLIS

ASSESSMENT OF DRUG ABUSE AS CORRELATE OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADOLESCENTS' TRUANCY BEHAVIOUR IN BENIN METROPOLIS

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1.1 Background of the Study

Adolescence is a critical period of development, characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, as well as increased vulnerability to external influences, including peer pressure and exposure to risky behaviors. One significant concern during this stage is the prevalence of drug abuse and its association with truancy behavior in secondary schools. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drug abuse is defined as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs (WHO, 2018). This phenomenon has profound implications on adolescents, particularly in the context of education, where it correlates with problematic behaviors such as truancy, academic failure, and delinquency.

In Nigeria, drug abuse has become a pressing issue, especially among adolescents, with a rising trend of illicit drug use in secondary schools. National reports indicate that the misuse of substances such as cannabis, codeine, tramadol, and other psychoactive drugs is prevalent among students (UNODC, 2020). This abuse has been linked to various social and behavioral problems, including truancy, which refers to unauthorized absence from school. Truancy among adolescents has far-reaching consequences, including poor academic performance, increased dropout rates, and involvement in criminal activities (Nnodum & Mkpadi, 2017).

Benin Metropolis, a significant urban area in Nigeria, is not exempt from the challenges posed by adolescent drug abuse. Reports suggest that a considerable number of public secondary school students engage in substance use, which may influence their commitment to school attendance (Agbonika et al., 2019). The socio-economic environment, coupled with inadequate parental supervision and peer pressure, contributes to the susceptibility of adolescents in this region to drug abuse. Furthermore, the ease of access to these substances exacerbates the problem, making it a public health and educational concern (Obadiora, 2021).

The relationship between drug abuse and truancy behavior is well-documented in the literature. Several studies have established that adolescents who engage in drug use are more likely to skip school, either due to the effects of the drugs on their cognitive and physical capacities or the need to avoid disciplinary action (Oladeji & Adedokun, 2020). Truancy, in turn, leads to a cycle of poor academic achievement, social disengagement, and further risky behavior. According to Moser et al. (2017), substance abuse among adolescents can impair their ability to focus in class, disrupt their social relationships, and negatively impact their overall well-being.

There is also a psychological dimension to the link between drug abuse and truancy. Adolescents dealing with emotional stress, family problems, or mental health issues may resort to substance use as a coping mechanism, which further distances them from school activities (Vaughn et al., 2021). The interplay between emotional distress, drug use, and truancy forms a complex web that has significant implications for educational outcomes and the future of these adolescents. Understanding the correlation between these two behaviors in the context of Benin Metropolis is essential for developing targeted interventions.

Government policies and educational reforms have attempted to address these issues, but challenges remain. The Nigerian government has introduced various drug prevention and education programs in secondary schools, but their effectiveness has been limited by poor implementation, lack of resources, and insufficient engagement with the affected adolescents (Ogunwale & Falade, 2018). Additionally, the existing legal frameworks addressing drug use among minors are often inadequately enforced, leaving a gap in both prevention and treatment efforts.

The importance of investigating the correlation between drug abuse and truancy cannot be overstated. While previous studies have explored these issues independently, there is a need for a comprehensive examination of how these behaviors intersect, particularly in the socio-cultural context of Benin Metropolis. This study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge by investigating the relationship between drug abuse and truancy behavior among public secondary school students in Benin Metropolis, with the ultimate goal of informing policy and practice in educational and public health sectors.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Adolescent drug abuse and truancy behavior are two intertwined social and educational challenges that have profound implications for the future of Nigerian youth. In Benin Metropolis, the rising trend of drug use among secondary school students poses a significant threat to academic achievement and school attendance. Despite various interventions, the prevalence of drug abuse among adolescents continues to rise, leading to increased rates of truancy. The correlation between these two behaviors has been established in various global and local studies, yet there is limited specific research focusing on public secondary schools in Benin Metropolis.

Truancy not only disrupts the educational process but also serves as an early warning signal for more severe behavioral issues such as delinquency and school dropout (Asamu & Adejumo, 2020). Drug abuse compounds these issues, creating a vicious cycle of disengagement from school, poor academic performance, and negative social outcomes. This phenomenon raises the question: to what extent does drug abuse contribute to truancy behavior among adolescents in public secondary schools in Benin Metropolis?

The lack of effective school-based interventions and parental supervision exacerbates this problem. Moreover, the socio-economic environment of Benin Metropolis, with its urban challenges such as poverty, crime, and unemployment, creates an enabling environment for drug use and absenteeism. Consequently, there is a critical need for research that addresses this correlation in the local context.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study are as follows:

1. To examine the prevalence of drug abuse among adolescents in public secondary schools in Benin Metropolis.

2. To investigate the factors contributing to drug abuse among public secondary school adolescents in Benin Metropolis.

3. To assess the relationship between drug abuse and truancy behavior in public secondary schools.

4. To explore the socio-economic and environmental factors influencing adolescent truancy in Benin Metropolis.

5. To recommend strategies for reducing drug abuse and truancy among secondary school students.

1.4 Research Questions

Based on the objectives of the study, the following research questions are posed:

1. What is the prevalence of drug abuse among adolescents in public secondary schools in Benin Metropolis?

2. What factors contribute to drug abuse among public secondary school adolescents?

3. Is there a relationship between drug abuse and truancy behavior?

4. What socio-economic and environmental factors influence adolescent truancy in Benin Metropolis?

5. What strategies can reduce drug abuse and truancy among secondary school students?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following hypotheses will guide this study:

1. There is no significant prevalence of drug abuse among adolescents in public secondary schools in Benin Metropolis.

2. Socio-economic factors do not significantly contribute to drug abuse among adolescents in public secondary schools.

3. There is no significant relationship between drug abuse and truancy behavior in public secondary schools.

4. Environmental factors do not significantly influence truancy behavior among secondary school students.

5. Drug abuse reduction strategies do not significantly affect truancy rates among public secondary school adolescents.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study can be viewed from both practical and theoretical perspectives. From a practical standpoint, this research aims to provide valuable insights that can inform policy formulation and intervention strategies aimed at curbing drug abuse and truancy in secondary schools. School administrators, policymakers, teachers, and parents will benefit from the findings as they can use the data to design more effective programs targeting at-risk adolescents. Educational institutions will gain a clearer understanding of the link between substance abuse and truancy, which can lead to improved support systems for students struggling with both issues.

Theoretically, the study will contribute to the body of knowledge by expanding the understanding of the relationship between drug abuse and adolescent truancy behavior. It will explore existing theories related to substance use and delinquent behavior, providing empirical evidence within the Nigerian context. This can bridge gaps in literature and serve as a reference for future studies exploring similar issues in other regions.

Additionally, this research could encourage the development of interdisciplinary approaches that address both educational and psychological dimensions of adolescent behavior, providing a more holistic response to these challenges.

 

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is limited to public secondary schools in Benin Metropolis. The study focuses on the relationship between drug abuse and truancy behavior among adolescents, considering both the prevalence of drug abuse and the factors contributing to truancy. The research covers students aged 12 to 18 in selected schools within Benin Metropolis.

1.8 Definition of Terms

1. Drug Abuse: The habitual taking of addictive or illegal drugs by adolescents, leading to physical, psychological, and social problems.

2. Truancy: Unauthorized absence from school by students, often linked to behavioral or environmental issues.

3. Adolescents: Individuals undergoing the transition from childhood to adulthood, typically between the ages of 12 and 18.

4. Public Secondary Schools: Government-funded educational institutions that provide secondary-level education to students.

5. Benin Metropolis: A major urban area in Nigeria, located in Edo State, known for its cultural heritage and diverse population.

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