Socio-Environmental Predictors of Substance Abuse among Out-of-School Adolescents

This study investigated the socio-environmental predictors of substance abuse among out-of-school adolescents.The study adopted a quantitative research method and gathered data through the adaptation of standardized scales of measurements on peer pressure and substance abuse.Data was collected from 322 out-of-school adolescents from selected bus terminals in Ibadan, Oyo state.Descriptive statistics and inferential (Pearson r and ANOVA) were used in the study.From the findings, the prevalence of substance abuse among out-ofschool adolescents can be found to be 39.1%.Also, a significant and positive relationship was found between substance abuse and peer pressure (r = 0.60; p < 0.01).Further, adolescents who indicated that their parents are active drug users reported the highest substance abuse (Mean = 19.181;SD = 4.010).In addition, adolescents who noted that their parents have a history of drug use reported the highest on substance abuse (Mean = 19.621;SD = 4.213).Adolescents who indicated that they are very close to drug purchase reported significantly higher substance abuse (Mean = 20.161;SD = 4.177).It was concluded from the study that peer pressure, parental use and proximity to drug sales were significant determinants of substance abuse among out-of-school adolescents.Concerned agencies were advised to offer policies that encourage more adolescents to enrol in formal education to prevent further increase of out-ofschool adolescents in containing substance abuse menace.