Roles of Radio in Combating Drug Abuse Among University Students
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The primary objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of radio as a tool for combating drug abuse among university students. Specifically, the study aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of radio programs in disseminating accurate information about the dangers of drug abuse.
- Investigate the role of radio in raising awareness about drug abuse issues,
- Identify the key strategies and messages utilized by radio programs to promote positive behavioral changes and discourage substance use among university students.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Conceptualizing Drug
Drugs are said to be as old as mankind. In many civilizations and societies, drug use and abuse has a long history. Natural plants, such as opium, coca, and cannabis, have been used for centuries. A drug is defined as any natural or manufactured substance, other than food, that alters the structure or function of a living organism due to its chemical or physical nature. In pharmacology, it is described as a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease, or used to improve physical or mental well-being in some other way. Pharmaceuticals, like vitamins, are also used as food supplements, and we must benefit from drugs in terms of ill health, even if they are prescribed by doctors. Drugs, on the other hand, can be hazardous and even lethal if they are abused. People sometimes confuse substance abuse with drug misuse; however, drugs refer to prescription prescribed by a doctor, whereas substance abuse can involve compounds other than drugs, such as gasoline and glue. If a substance was intentionally used to create physiological or psychological effects for a purpose other than therapeutic purposes, it was termed abused. The term “abuse” refers to inappropriate or harmful behaviour. When these phrases are combined, “drug abuse” it can be defined as the improper use of drugs, the abuse of drugs, the violation of prescribed pharmacological use of medicines, or the use of drugs in a manner that differs from the accepted medical or societal norm. Substance addiction typically begins in adolescence with smoking and alcohol intake Drug abuse among students, on the other hand, may be caused by interactions across peer groups, as well as the availability and nature of the substance. Environmental variables that contribute to drug misuse include cultural influences, parental behaviour, and laws and regulations that restrict drug access. There are seven types of drugs often abused; they are classified based on their physiological effects. Stimulants, narcotics, cannabis, depressants, analgesics, sedatives, performance-enhancing drugs, hallucinogens, and inhalants are the most common psychoactive drugs. They include the following: 1. Stimulants: They are often used to boost central nervous system (CNS) activities such as heart rate, blood pressure, and brain function rate. Users report feeling more energised and less fatigued. Caffeine, cocaine, nicotine, and amphetamine are examples of stimulants. 2. Narcotics: These are highly addictive medications that are used medically to ease pain and promote sleep. Plants including opium, morphine, codeine, andheroin are used to make narcotics. They can be inhaled (snorted), injected, or smoked and are exceedingly addictive. Heroin, opium, morphine, codeine, and tramadol are all examples of narcotics. 3. Cannabis: Cannabis, commonly known as pot, marijuana, hashish, and bhang, is a narcotic made from the Indian hemp plant (cannabis sativa). It has limited therapeutic value and is unlawful to use for nonmedical purposes. Cannabis, sometimes referred as marijuana, is a widely abused narcotic in Nigeria, particularly among young people. Marijuana was first brought to Nigeria by soldiers returning from World War II. 4. Depressants: These are drugs that lower the natural activity of any organ or system in the body. They are also known as sedatives because they slow down CNS function. It causes abusers to develop tolerance as well as intense psychological and physical reliance. Alcohol, barbiturates, tranquillizers, and rohypnol are some of the drugs used. 5. Hallucinogens: One of the earliest chemicals used by humans, hallucinogens can cause hallucinations. Psychedelics, dissociatives, and deliriants (mind) vision are some of the terms used to describe them. The effects of psychedelics are visible in the form of illusion, hallucination, and vision. At anaesthetic levels, Dissociative causes analgesia, forgetfulness, and catalepsy, causing him to become dissociated from his surroundings. Deliriants cause delirium in the user, which is characterised by acute bewilderment and the inability to regulate one’s actions ). They are employed for ceremonies, healing, and syncretistic movement rituals all over the world in medicine, religion, and traditions: Diethylamide of lysergic acid (LSD). 6. Inhalants: These are breathable chemical vapours or gases that generate psychoactive effects when abused or misused. VOCs, fuels, gases, nitrites, and anaesthetic gases (chloroform, nitrous oxide, and ether) are among them, as are industrial solvents such as gasoline, kerosene, glue, and typewriter correction fluid. Abusers inhale toxic chemicals that induce low blood pressure, dizziness, hearing loss, and lung and heart damage: Gases, solvents, and propellants are all examples of propellants.Aphrodisiacs: These are chemicals that boost a person’s sexual capacity or inspire sexual desire. They’re also referred as sexual drive boosters and are typically referred to as “labour on the streets.” The chemicals improve sexual urges and contribute to increased sexual satisfaction.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain roles of radio in combating drug abuse among university students. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing roles of radio in combating drug abuse among university students.
Summary
This study was on roles of radio in combating drug abuse among university students. Three objectives were raised which included: Evaluate the effectiveness of radio programs in disseminating accurate information about the dangers of drug abuse, Investigate the role of radio in raising awareness about drug abuse issues and Identify the key strategies and messages utilized by radio programs to promote positive behavioral changes and discourage substance use among university students. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from University of Uyo. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study has shed light on the significant potential of radio as a tool for combating drug abuse among university students. Through an exploration of its roles in disseminating information, raising awareness, and promoting positive behavioral changes, several key findings have emerged. Radio programs have been shown to effectively reach and engage university students, providing them with accurate information about the dangers of substance abuse and available resources for help. Moreover, radio campaigns have been successful in raising awareness about drug abuse issues, debunking misconceptions, and fostering discussions within the university community. Importantly, the study highlights the importance of strategic messaging and audience engagement strategies in maximizing the impact of radio interventions on attitudes and behaviors related to substance use.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of radio in combating drug abuse among university students:
Design radio programs and campaigns that are tailored to the preferences, interests, and information needs of university students. Consider incorporating diverse formats, such as talk shows, interviews, and interactive segments, to engage listeners and facilitate meaningful dialogue on substance abuse issues.
Foster partnerships with campus stakeholders, including student organizations, counseling services, and health promotion initiatives, to amplify the reach and impact of radio interventions. Collaborative efforts can enhance the relevance and credibility of radio messages, while also connecting students to available support services and resources.
Harness the power of peer influence and social networks to reinforce positive behavioral norms and attitudes towards substance use. Incorporate student voices and testimonials into radio programming to provide relatable perspectives and role models for behavior change.
Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of radio interventions through audience feedback, surveys, and outcome assessments. Use insights gained from evaluation efforts to refine messaging strategies, adjust program formats, and target specific subpopulations with tailored interventions.
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