Psychosocial consequences and reasons for illicit drug use among police officers in a northern Nigerian city: A mixed-method study
Annals of African Medical Research
;
5(1): 1-6, 2022. tables
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1381144
ABSTRACT
Harmful use of drugs is one of the principal risk factors affecting population health worldwide. Chronic use has been linked to medical, psychological and socioeconomic consequences. This study assessed the psychosocial consequences and reasons for illicit drug use among police officers in Kano, Nigeria. Using a mixed method of data collection, quantitative data was obtained from a cross-section of 275 officers using the Shortened Inventory of Problems-Drug Use (SIPDU) and a pretested adapted questionnaire. In-depth interviews with 10 officers who used illicit drugs provided additional information. Almost half of the respondents (46.5%, n=128) were in their fourth decade of life with a mean age (±SD) of 35.1 ± 7.7 years. Over a quarter of the respondents (n=75) reported ever using illicit drugs, out of which 14.9% (n=41) were current users. Among the current drug users, 80.5% (n=33) attested to having money problems, 61.0% (n=25) agreed that they had spent too much money, and 56.1% (n=23) failed to do what was expected of them as a result of drug use and have hurt their family. Helping to stay awake and improving confidence were the major reasons (100%, n=41) for drug use mentioned by the respondents. The Nigerian Police Force should look into easing shifts and introducing stress-relieving activities. There is also the need to strengthen substance education and counselling and support officers with confidence issues, sleep disorders, and treat those with mood disorders.
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Social Class
/
Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Type of study:
Qualitative research
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Annals of African Medical Research
Year:
2022
Type:
Article
Institution/Affiliation country:
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital+NG
/
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano; Department of Community Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital+NG
/
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano; Department of Community Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano; African Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy, Bayero University+NG
/
Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano; Department of Community Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital,+NG
/
Nigeria Police Medical Services, Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil-Kano/NG
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