SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: IMPACTS OF MARIJUANA AND TRAMADOL USE, RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.

Author Name: 1. Yongo Dorcas Doom

Volume/Issue: 06/04

Country: Russia

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/10.2025-67748644/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the impacts of marijuana and tramadol on the mental health of young people in Benue State, Nigeria, while also examining associated risk and protective factors. A descriptive cross-sectional design and mixed-methods approach were employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires. Analysis utilized descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models. Findings revealed that tramadol users recorded a mean mental health score of 11.38 compared to 12.45 among non-users, while marijuana users had a score of 11.47 versus 12.80 for non-users (p < 0.002). Logistic regression results showed that peer pressure increased the likelihood of marijuana use by 8.41% and tramadol use by 12.62%, while media exposure reduced the probability of use by 12.24% and 20.46% respectively. Protective factors were also significant: youth empowerment programs reduced marijuana use by 10.43%, self-esteem by 13.30%, and future aspirations by 24.18%. For tramadol, protective influences included drug education (10.73%), family rules (27.07%), academic engagement (20.69%), and good mental health (18.45%). Model strength was moderate, with Pseudo R² values of 0.433 (marijuana) and 0.275 (tramadol) for risk factors, and 0.391 (marijuana) and 0.408 (tramadol) for protective factors. The study concluded that marijuana and tramadol use significantly affect youth mental health in Benue State and recommends integrating comprehensive drug education into school curricula and community outreach to raise awareness of the dangers of marijuana and tramadol misuse.

Key words: Abuse, Youth, Tramadol, Marijuana, Mental Health, Risk.