Psychoactive substance abuse and intention to stop among arba-minch university students, arba-minch town, south Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Students of higher education institution are at higher risk of Substance abuse. Currently, substance abuse is one of the most burning public health problems in Ethiopia. Again, the increase rate of university students who take substances, the scarcity of rehabilitation and treatment program on substance abuse threatens the present and future image of Ethiopia. Although it has been known that this public health problem is a pressing issue, the magnitude of substance abuse and intention to stop is not yet properly explored. Only little research is done so far. Objective:To assess the magnitude of psychoactive substance abuse and intention to stop among students of Arbaminch university. Methods: Institution based descriptive cross sectional study design in which quantitative research method wasemployed.Stratified sampling technique was used.Data was collected using a pre-testedsemi-structured self-administered questionnaire from February 14-29.Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic regression analysis were done. Variables with p-value <0.25 in bivariate logistic regression were added in multivariate logistic regression model to identify independently associated predictors of a dependent variable, psychoactive substance abuse. Variables with P-value < 0.25 in bivariate linear regressionwere considered as statistical significanceand multiple linear regression models was performed, between the dependent variable, intention to quit, and the independent variables, the direct and indirect measures of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Result:From a total 392 respondents, 175 (44.6%) respondents fulfilled the criteria of psychoactive substance abuse (CAGE ≥ 2). The data suggested a limited relationship between attitudes, SN and intention but a strong relationship exists between the sense of control over psychoactive substance use and intentions to quit psychoactive substance use.Multiple linear regression analysis determined significantly associated factor with intention to quit psychoactive substance use were direct measures of attitude with standardized coefficient beta value [0.121 (0.35, 0.199)], Pv = 0.006, subjective norm [0.099, (0.014, 0.190)] Pv = 0.032 and perceived behavioral control [0.512, (0.403, 0.562)], Pv =.0.0001. Conclusion: The study has identified that psychoactive substance abuse is a serious problem among regular undergraduate university students; it is associated positively with certain variables such as male participants and year of study.PBC was the strongest predictor of intention to quit psychoactive substance use followed by attitude and subjective norm.To improve cessation concerned bodies must address perceived lack of control over quitting & limited confidence to control barriers to quit andestablishmentof a pilot treatment and rehabilitation centerin order to reduce the prevalence of psychoactive substance abuse.