Knowledge and Attitude

Various research works by experts and relevant national and international organizations have consistently revealed the dangerous rising case of drug use among youths in the country and the negative health complications it has resulted to. Globally, the harmful use of alcohol alone has been estimated to result in about 3.3 million deaths each year and at least 15.3 million persons worldwide have been documented to be suffering from drug use disorders (WHO, Substance Abuse, 2014). Substance abuse refers to the use of psychoactive substances, that creates pleasurable effect on the brain, on the other hand, substance misuse is the use of a substance for a purpose not consistent with legal or medical guidelines (WHO,2006). Aims and objections: This study determined the knowledge and attitude of female secondary school students to drug abuse, factors that affect the use of substances, and possible ways of preventing substance use. Method: A descriptive research method was adopted for the study and a simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Asemi-structured questionnaire was the instrument utilized for this research to obtain information from respondents. The questionnaire was administered to a total of 500students from four selected female secondary schools via convenient sampling technique. Participants included for the study were those who had knowledge of the topic and were above 12 years of age. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics like percentage, means etc. Results: The findings of the research among participants revealed that majority of respondents had knowledge of substance abuse and a negative attitude to its use by and around them. The findings also revealed that the main contributing factors to substance use were depression, peer pressure, availability of the substance and
environmental influence. It was, however, recommended among others that secondary school curriculum be designed to provide basic knowledge of substance abuse as well as adverts and enlightenment programs on the dangers of substance abuse should be made public by the government and school authorities as ways of preventing substance abuse. Conclusion: The study revealed that the respondents had a good knowledge of substance abuse and its effect, their attitude was negative to its use, various factors that contribute to substance use and recommendations to prevent further abuse of substances were provided. Key words: Substance abuse, substance misuse, drugs, knowledge, attitude

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among men worldwide. Early detection through screening plays a crucial role in reducing complications and improving survival outcomes. However, awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward prostate cancer screening remain limited in many populations, particularly among occupational groups with demanding work schedules such as transport drivers. This study assesses the knowledge and attitudes toward prostate cancer and the utilization of screening services among intercity and interstate public transport drivers in Benin City, Edo State.

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted for this research. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to intercity and interstate public transport drivers operating within major motor parks in Benin City. The questionnaire assessed respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of prostate cancer, attitudes toward the disease and its screening, and their utilization of available screening services. Data obtained were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine levels of awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices.

The findings of the study are expected to reveal the level of knowledge and misconceptions about prostate cancer among transport drivers, their attitudes toward preventive health practices, and the extent to which they utilize screening services. The results will also help identify barriers that may prevent drivers from accessing screening services.

The study concludes that improving awareness and promoting positive attitudes toward prostate cancer screening among transport drivers is essential for early detection and prevention. It is recommended that targeted health education campaigns, workplace health programs, and improved access to screening services be implemented to encourage regular prostate cancer screening among this population group.