The burden of drug abuse in Nigeria: a scoping review of epidemiological studies and drug laws
Citation
Jatau, AI and Sha'aban, A and Gulma, KA and Shitu, Z and Khalid, GM and Isa, A and Wada, AS and Mustapha, M, The burden of drug abuse in Nigeria: a scoping review of epidemiological studies and drug laws, BioMed Central Ltd., 42 Article 1603960. ISSN 2107-6952 (2021) [Refereed Article]
Background: The burden of drug abuse is becoming a public health concern in Nigeria.
Preventive measures should include identifying the root causes of the burden for targeted
intervention. We, therefore, aim to conduct a scoping review of the literature to summarize
the findings of epidemiological studies on drug abuse and provisions of drug laws in
Nigeria. The review also provides appropriate recommendations as interventions for
prevention.
Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the literature on PubMed to identify
information on drug abuse and drug laws in Nigeria from the inception of the database to
March 2020. Additional information was retrieved from Google Scholar, a manual search of
included articles, discussion with experts on the subject matter, and gray literature. Study
selection was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and
Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements. Information from gray literature was assessed for
quality and accuracy using the AACODS checklist (authority, accuracy, coverage,
objectively, date, significance).
Results: The systematic search of the literature generated 253 studies. Nine articles were
obtained from other sources. After the selection process, 23 eligible studies were included
for review. A prevalence of 20–40% and 20.9% of drug abuse was reported among
students and youths, respectively. Commonly abused drugs include cannabis, cocaine,
amphetamine, heroin, diazepam, codeine, cough syrup and tramadol. Sources where
abusers obtained drugs, were pharmacies/patent medicine shops, open drug markets,
drug hawkers, fellow drug abusers, friends, and drug pushers. Drug abuse was common
among undergraduates and secondary school students, youths, commercial bus drivers, farmers, and sex workers. Reason for use included to increase physical performance,
stress and to derive pleasure. Poor socioeconomic factors and low educational
background were the common risk factors associated with drug abuse. We identified
several drug laws and policies that were established under government agencies such as
the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Foods and
Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and a
Presidential Advisory Committee.
Conclusion: Findings from epidemiological studies on drug abuse in Nigeria has
demonstrated that the burden of drug abuse is still high despite the existing drug
laws, policies, and strategies for prevention. Measures to reduce the burden should
involve the community, government, and religious bodies. Preventive measures should
target the youths, the students, identified sources of the drugs, reasons and risk factors
associated with drug abuse in Nigeria.
Item Details
Item Type:
Refereed Article
Keywords:
drug abuse, cocaine, Nigeria, codeine, public health, reviews
