Sociodemographic Determinants of Age at Initiation of Psychoactive Substance Use Among Rehabilitation Clients in Northwestern Nigeria

Abdullahi Ibrahim; Yakubu Ibrahim Anas; Hamza Tajudeen Ismail; Ismail Shamsudeen; Bello Amira; Bakare Tomori Abdulfatai; Attahiru Abusufyan; Ahmad Mustapha; Abubakar Ahmad; Abdullahi Dangulbi Shamsu; Baguda Suleiman Abubakar; Akilu Abdallahi; Sarki Junaidu; Abubakar Sadiq; Hadi Abdulaziz Ibrahim; Umar Zubairu; Abdugaffar Yakubu; Attah Anthonia Nnnena; Ngozi Lucy Obiejemba; Sani Bako Abubakar; Nasir Umar Gwandu; Sabiu Aminu; Halid Isa Amina; Hogan-itam Grace Daniel; Abdulsalam Inuwa Shamsuddini; Abbas Yusuf Abubakar; Ibrahim Muhammad Gidado; Bioku Abass Ayodeji; Umar Faruk Adamu; Lawal Badru; Fahad Lawal

doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260118102024

Abstract
Background: The age at which individuals initiate the abuse of psychoactive substances is crucial, as early onset can have devastating consequences, especially in the long term.
Objective: To determine the Sociodemographic determinants of age at initiation of Psychoactive Substance use among rehabilitation clients in Northwestern Nigeria
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at two drug rehabilitation centers. Clients were recruited consecutively over 2years. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square is used to assess for associations, and binary logistic regression was used to assess for determinants, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant
Results: Most participants initiated drug abuse at a younger age. The mean and modal age of initiating drug abuse were 19.45 years and 18 years, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between the age of onset and age category, marital status, religion, level of education, employment status, and family type. Education level, employment status, and family type remained as independent determinants.
Conclusion: The study revealed that the age of initiating the abuse of psychoactive substances coincides with adolescence and the young adult period and that multiple sociodemographic factors play a significant role.

Key words: Keywords: Drug abuse, Psychoactive substance, Rehabilitation, Nigeria, Drugs.