Substance abuse as correlate of delinquent behaviours among secondary school students in Kwara State
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Date
2025
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Faculty of education, University of Nigeria Nsukka
Abstract
This study examined the correlation between substance abuse and delinquent behaviors among
secondary school students in Kwara State. It also assessed the influence of gender, age, school
type, and class type on students' delinquent behaviors. A correlational survey research design
was adopted, guided by two research questions and five null hypotheses. The study population
comprised 403 secondary school students, selected through a multistage sampling procedure.
Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Substance Abuse and Delinquent
Behaviours Questionnaire (PISADBQ). Descriptive and inferential statistical methods,
including percentage, mean, rank order, t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used
for data analysis, with hypotheses tested at a 0.05 significance level. Findings indicated a low
level of substance abuse and delinquent behavior among respondents. However, a significant
correlation was found between substance abuse and delinquent behaviors. Additionally,
significant differences in delinquent behaviors were observed based on gender, age, and school
type. Based on these findings, it was recommended that school authorities reinforce efforts to
discourage substance abuse and delinquent behavior among students. Furthermore, counselors
should develop age-appropriate intervention programs to prevent substance abuse and mitigate
its potential influence on delinquent behaviors.
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Keywords
substance, abuse, delinquent, behaviours, student