CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This chapter presents on the background of study, problem statement, objective, significance of the study, research question, and justification of study, scope of study, empirical and contextual review and definition of terms.

• Background Of the Study

The history of drug abuse dates back thousands of years, with evidence of psychoactive substance use found in ancient civilizations. The earliest documented use of drugs can be traced to around 3500 B.C.E. in Egypt, where the production of alcohol was recorded on papyrus, indicating its use for both medicinal and recreational purposes. By 2737 B.C.E., ancient Chinese texts attributed the use of cannabis to Emperor Shen Neng, who prescribed it for various ailments, including malaria and rheumatism. This early medicinal use of cannabis laid the groundwork for its later recreational use. As civilizations evolved, so did the use of drugs. In ancient Greece and Rome (800 B.C.E. to 500 C.E.), opium, cannabis, and alcohol were commonly referenced in literature and medical texts, with notable figures like Hippocrates discussing their effects. The Middle Ages saw a continuation of drug use, but it was during the 19th century that drug abuse began to escalate significantly. The isolation of morphine from opium in 1804 and its commercial introduction in 1827 led to widespread addiction, particularly following the American Civil War when many soldiers returned home dependent on the drug. The late 19th century also marked the introduction of cocaine, which was isolated in 1884, and heroin, marketed as a non-addictive alternative to morphine in the late 1800s. These substances quickly became popular, leading to significant public health issues and prompting the first regulatory efforts. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of addiction as a public health issue rather than solely a criminal one. This shift has led to the development of various rehabilitation programs and a focus on harm reduction strategies. Today, drug abuse remains a complex issue, with ongoing challenges related to opioid addiction, synthetic drugs, and the need for comprehensive education and prevention efforts among youths.

Drug abuse is a multifaceted issue that poses significant challenges to individuals and society as a whole. It is characterized by the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including illicit drugs and the misuse of prescription medications (Farlex, 2012). The onset of drug abuse often begins during the youthful period marked by experimentation and susceptibility to peer pressure. Various risk factors contribute to the likelihood of drug abuse, including individual traits such as impulsivity and emotional regulation difficulties, familial influences like parental supervision and substance use within the family, and community factors such as peer associations and drug availability (McGraw Hill, 2002). Research indicates that the consequences of drug abuse extend beyond the individual, affecting families, communities, and public health systems. Youths who engage in drug abuse are at a higher risk for developing mental health disorders, experiencing academic difficulties, and facing legal issues. The Global Burden of Disease study highlights that drug abuse significantly contributes to the health burden among young people, particularly in developing regions (Noubiap et al., 2019)

Drugs are an essential part of health care service yet they are misuse and or abuse constitutes a very serious public health and security problem that obstructs the socio-economic development of people especially youth in society. Drug abuse is a global issue that affects individuals and communities. According to the report of the world drug report 2020, an estimated 269 million used drug worldwide in 2018.In Africa drug abuse is a growing concern. Cameroon is not exempted from this trend with reports indicating drug use among youths have been on the rise (Noubiap et al., 2019).This increase in drug abuse among youths in Cameroon can be due to various factors such as peer pressure, lack of parental guidance, poverty and unemployment(Noubiap et al.,2019).This information can be used to design targeted interventions that address the specific needs of the population .Assessing the knowledge attitude and practice of drug abuse among youth age 15-35 is crucial in developing effective prevention strategies .It will provide insight into level of awareness about drug abuse among youths .This information can be used to design targeted intervention that address the specific needs of this population (Oshodi et al.,2010).

Drug abuse is a global phenomenon that has been a major public health concern for decades .According to the world drug report (2019), an estimated 35million people worldwide suffer use disorders, opiods being the most commonly abused drug. The report also highlights the negative impacts of drug abuse on individuals, families and communities, including increased risk of infectious disease, mental health problems(united Nation office on Drug and crimeUNODC, 2019). In Africa, drug abuse is growing problem that has exacerbated by factors such as poverty, unemployment ,political instability .A study conducted in Nigeria found out that the prevalence of drug abuse among youth, adults was as high as 40%, with cannabis being the most commonly abused drug (Oshodi et al.,2010).summary, a study in south Africa reported high rates of substance abuse among youth ,with alcohol and tobacco being the most commonly used substance (Peltzer et al., 2009). Cameroon is also a significant problem that has linked to various social economic factors. A study conducted in Yaounde’ found that cannabis was the most common used drug among youths with the estimated prevalence rate 13.5%. (Noubiap et al., 2013).

In a study conducted on school youths titled Prevalence and factors associated with substance among youths in institutions in Buea, results shows that 64% had adequate knowledge on drug abuse and 36% of the total sampled population were deficient in knowledge. This knowledge is necessary for the practice of prevention of drug abuse in a school milieu. (Pan African Medical Journal, 2022).

1.2. Statement of the Problem.

Drug abuse among youths is a significant global health issue with serious consequences. According to WHO 2018, harmful use of drugs has contributed to the burden of disease and injury, and it is the leading risk factor for death among youths aged 15-35 year. In 2019, WHO released an article showing an increase rate of drug abuse among youths. In many countries including Cameroon, young people are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of drugs, factors such as peer pressure, easy access to drugs increases this vulnerability among youth (Enyong et al.,2017).  A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2018, found that drug use was common among youths in Cameroon ,with 30% being females and males aged 15 and more. Evidence suggest that drug consumption among Cameroonians have negative influence on their behaviors such as poor academic performance, missed tests and examinations , sexual assault as well as poor health (Nicolas David et al ,2018). Some months back, I had a friend with whom we use to share our dreams and had late night talk on building our future. But everything changed when he started using drugs. I noticed his bright spirit started dimming, he became distant, missing classes and losing interest in everything we loved. One night I received a call from an unknown person, telling me my friend is behaving mad, when I got there I found him confused and helpless, we took him to the hospital and he has never been the same again from that day. All these pushed me to carry out a research on drug abuse, its effect and how to withdraw from it.

1.3. Objectives

1.3.1 General Objective

To assess the knowledge on the risk factors and effects of drugs abuse among youths (15-35) years in the Molyko community.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To assess youths knowledge on drug abuse in the Molyko community.
2. To identify the risk factors of drug abuse among youths in the Molyko community.
3. To identify the effects of drug abuse among youths (15-35) years in the Molyko community.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What knowledge do youths have on drug abuse in the Molyko community?
2. What are the risk factors associated with drug abuse among youths the Molyko community?
3. What are the effects of drug abuse among youths in the Molyko community?