Comparison of substance use knowledge and attitude among senior students in military secondary schools in Ibadan,Nigeria

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the knowledge and attitudes regarding substance use of senior students attending military secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods: Cross‐sectional surveys were carried out in two schools located within different military barracks at Ojoo and Apata areas of Ibadan, using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results: The mean age was 15±1.2 years and 15±1.3 years for respondents in Ojoo and Apata schools, respectively. Out of a maximum score of 30, the mean knowledge scores were 12.4±4.2 and 12.1±3.4 for the Ojoo and Apata schools, respectively. The difference in the mean scores between the two schools was not statistically significant p = 0.457. High disapproval rates were obtained for tobacco use (75.8 vs 76.5%) and for cocaine use (73.4 vs 70.6%) by the respondents in Ojoo and Apata schools, respectively. Positive attitudes were shown by respondents towards acceptance of substances as only 6.3 and 10.6% of respondents from Ojoo and Apata schools, respectively, indicated willingness to accept substances, if offered.

Conclusion: Although similar knowledge and attitudes regarding substance use were found among senior students in the military schools in Ibadan, the gap in knowledge identified suggests the need for health education intervention.