CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Alcohol abuse and illicit drug consumption among young adults is a significant public health concern worldwide (World Health Organization, 2018).According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2020, approximately 35.4% of young adults aged 15-20 years in the United States reported using alcohol in the past month, while 14.6% reported using illicit drugs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020). Globally, the prevalence of current drinking increases from 26.5% among 15–19 year olds to 40.7% among 20–24 year olds, while the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking increases from 13.6% to 21.8% . An estimated 14% of all deaths among 20–39 year olds are attributable to alcohol (Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 April). The prevalence of substance use abuse among young adults is influenced by various factors including peer pressure, family history, mental health, and socioeconomic status (Hawkins et al., 2017). The prevalence of substance use varies across different regions in Africa. For example, a study conducted in South Africa found that 44.1% of young people reported drinking alcohol in the past month, while another study in Nigeria found that 34.4% of adolescents reported drinking alcohol in the past month. According to a study conducted in Uganda, the prevalence of illicit drug use among adolescents was 34.9%, while 16.1% were screened as high-risk alcohol users. (Kalungi H, Kamacooko O, Lunkuse JF, et al. 2023). Similarly, in Cameroon, the national anti-drugs committee reports that 21% of the population had used substances, 60% of whom are youths aged 20-25 years (some of whom are students in tertiary schools). Moreover, more than, 12000 young people less than 15 years of age use narcotic drugs and other psychotropic substances ( Pan African Medical Journal 2022).

The Predisposing factors to alcohol abuse and illicit drug consumption, according to previous research carried out in Africa, in Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda. Key factors include; Demographic factors such as; Age: Adolescents and young adults are more likely to engage in substance use due to peer influence, curiosity, and experimentation (Omole et al., 2018), gender: Male adolescents are more likely to engage in substance use than females, although the gap is narrowing (Peltzer & Phaswana-Mafuya, 2018), socioeconomic status: Young adults from low-income backgrounds are more vulnerable to substance use due to limited access to education and employment opportunities (Kinyanda et al., 2018). Family and social factors such as; family conflict : Adolescents from dysfunctional families are more likely to engage in substance use as a coping mechanism(Adebiyi et al., 2018), peer influence: Associating with peers who use substances increases the likelihood of substance use among young adults   (Kalungi et al., 2023). Individual Factors such as; mental health problems ( Kinyanda et al., 2018), low self esteem: Young adults with low self-esteem may engage in substance use to boost their confidence and self-image( Adebiyi et al., 2018). Environmental Factors such as; availability and accessibility (Peltzer & Phaswana-Mafuya, 2018). Similarly in Cameroon, researches carried out on the prevalence and predisposing factors to alcohol abuse and illicit drug consumption indicated that, The researchers found that peer influence, family history of substance use, and low self-esteem were significant correlates of illicit drug use (Manka’a, W. N. et al. 2018).Another study, revealed that, the main reason for substance use were to relieve stress, curiosity and have fun. Male gender was found to be independently associated with substance use, echoing the findings of previous studies done. Additionally, living with parents or guardians and having a lower monthly allowance were also associated with less substance use (Metuge, C. E., et al.2023).

The prevalence and predisposing factors of alcohol abuse and illicit drug consumption among young adults in Cameroon is a public concern. This study therefore, was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and predisposing factors of alcohol and illicit drug consumption among young adults aged 15 to 20 years in selected secondary schools in Buea.

1.2 Problem statement

There is a rapid increase in substance use among young adults in many sub-Saharan African countries ( Lekeumo Cheuyem, Fabrice Zobel & Amani, Adidja & Mosus, Tatiana 2024). Several studies have indicated that substance use is common among students and is becoming increasingly widespread in many African countries. In Cameroon, the national anti-drugs committee reported that 21% of the population had used substances, 60% of whom are youths aged 20-25 years (some of whom are students in tertiary schools). Moreover, more than, 12000 young people less than 15 years of age use narcotic drugs and other psychotropic substances ( Pan African Medical Journal 2022). It is clear from the statistics that substance use and abuse among adolescents and young adults is a serious and costly problem around the world. The significance of this problem cannot be understated, given that patterns of consumption adopted in adolescence often follow individuals into young adulthood. The risk of substance use in these age ranges is significant, and understanding the factors that influence use during this critical developmental time is vital for formulating effective interventions (Presprint.org Google scholar).This research therefore sought to address the prevalence and predisposing factors of alcohol and illicit drug consumption among young adults aged 15 to 20 years in selected secondary schools in Buea.

1.3 Research questions

1. What is the prevalence of alcohol abuse and illicit drug consumption among young adults aged 15 to 20 years in secondary schools in Buea?
2. What are the predisposing factors of alcohol abuse and illicit drug consumption among young adults aged 15 to 20 years in secondary schools in Buea?

1.4 Research Hypothesis

1. The prevalence of alcohol abuse and illicit drug consumption among young adults aged 15 to 20 years is not significantly higher among males and females in secondary schools in Buea.
2. The Predisposing factors to alcohol abuse and illicit drug consumption among young adults aged 15 to 20 years are not demographic, family and individual factors and environmental factors.

1.5 Research Objectives

1.5.1 General Objectives

To assess the prevalence and predisposing factors of alcohol abuse and illicit drug consumption among young adults aged 15 to 20 years in secondary schools in Buea.

1.5.2 Specific Objectives

1. To determine the prevalence of alcohol abuse and Illicit drug consumption among young adults aged 15 to 20 years in secondary schools in Buea.
2. To identify the Predisposing factors for alcohol abuse and Illicit drug consumption among young adults aged 15 to 20 years in secondary schools in Buea.