Monitoring trends in substance use through a repeat cross-sectional survey in a Nigerian university

This report gives recent information on the trends in substance use in a group of university students in Nigeria. The data was derived from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1988 and 1993 in a representative sample of undergraduates of University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The study population involved 10% of the total student enrolment (649 in 1988 and 859 in 1993) randomly selected to complete a 117-item student substance-use questionnaire. The findings show that in 1993, there was a significant reduction in the current use of alcohol, cigarettes and salicylate analgesics, and in the lifetime use of alcohol, cigarettes, salicylate analgesics, stimulants and hypnosedatives. This reduction affected both sexes almost equally. However, a significant increase was recorded for the current non-medical use of antibiotics, and in the lifetime use of organic solvents. Usage rates were stable for the low-use substances such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin. The pattern of use of the commonly used substances remained largely 'occasional', with a shift towards less frequent smoking in 1993. Drinking and smoking remained predominantly a male activity in both phases. It is believed that the prevailing harsh economic conditions which limit access to the substance may contribute to the observed trends.