Sociodemographic factors and addictive behaviors as predictors of mental well-being among students of tertiary institutions in Kwara State, Nigeria

Addiction is a chronic medical condition shaped by complex neurological, genetic, environmental, and experiential factors. Behavioral addictions, including gambling, internet use, and video gaming, often emerge during adolescence and can impair psychological functioning if untreated. In Nigeria, the prevalence and impact of behavioral addictions, particularly among higher institution students, remain underexplored. This study investigates the pathogenic influence of addictive behaviors on mental well-being among students in Kwara State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted across six higher institutions, recruiting 629 participants through a multistage sampling technique. A structured and revalidated questionnaire assessed internet use, drug consumption, gambling, sexual behavior, and mental well-being. The instrument achieved a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.8. Data were analyzed using STATA 18, employing chi-square and multiple linear regression. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Research Committee of the Kwara State Ministry of Health. The findings revealed that sexual habits (β = − 0.148, p < 0.001) and internet usage (β = − 0.101, p = 0.015) are both linked to poor mental well-being, with sexual habits having a slightly stronger negative impact. Positive mental well-being was reported by 73.7% of students. Significant associations were identified between age, religion, and social media habits (p < 0.05). Gender showed a strong association with drug use, with males exhibiting higher moderate usage (15.9%) compared to females (5.4%). Behavioral addictions were found but relatively low among higher institution students in Kwara State, with notable socio-demographic variations. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to mitigate addiction risks and promote mental well-being, especially among university students.