Substance use among students of two high schools in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract Background Substance use among adolescents is on the rise on the African continent in general, and specifically in Cameroon. However, data on this subject remain scarce, thereby making it difficult to develop context-relevant policies. Methods Between January to May 2022, we conducted a study which retrospectively documented lifetime substance use among students of two high schools in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Data on socio-demographics, psychosocial parameters, and history of substance use were collected from students via facilitated self-administered questionnaires. Validated tools (such as the patient health questionnaire PHQ-4 and the 7-item Weinberger adjustment inventory) were used to assess anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and other youth behavioural risks. Factors associated with a history of substance use were investigated using multiple logistic regression. Results We recruited 373 students (43.0% male, mean age: 16 ± 1.6 years). Overall, 42.4% had already consumed at least one substance, notably alcohol (40.5%), vap/shisha (8.3%), and tobacco/cigarettes (2.7%). Previous tramadol use was reported by 6 (1.6%) participants. Of the 50 sexually active participants, 37 (74.0%) had a history of substance use. The multiple logistic regression analysis found that the following factors were associated with increased odds of lifetime substance use among students: Male gender (OR: 2.013, 95% CI: 1.127–3.595), depression (OR: 1.238, 95% CI: 1.031–1.487) and low self-esteem (OR: 1.083, 95% CI: 1.003–1.168). Meanwhile, increased parental concerns about drug use served as a protective factor for substance use among the students (OR: 0.196, 95% CI: 0.078–0.496). Conclusion About two-fifth of the enrolled high school students had already consumed one or more psychoactive substances, highlighting the need for urgent preventive interventions. For optimal impact, substance use preventive programs should include self-esteem building among the students and improved parental attitudes towards drugs.