Predictors of Tramadol-Use among Nigerian Students in Tertiary Institution: Evidence from Abeokuta, Ogun State

Abstract

Tramadol has gained wide spread usage among youths in Nigeria and this is worrisome. There is paucity of information on the cause of this although some opined that the availability and affordability of tramadol might have increased its usage by students. This study therefore investigated the predictors of tramadol-use among the Students of a selected institution in Ogun State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling was used in selecting 340 students and information was collected from them using structured questionnaire which has been tested for validity and reliability (Cronbach Alpha score = 0.82). Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the logistic regression analysis (analyses at P≤0.05). Ethical clearance was obtained from Babcock University Health Research and Ethics Committee (BUHREC). Results showed that the respondents were mostly male (62.9%), between ages 20 and 24 years (56.2%), and have spent less than 3 years in school (53.2%). Results also showed that the students have high level of knowledge (94%) of the addictive effects of abusing tramadol use, yet 41% of them use it and only 17% are on prescription. Furthermore, most of the respondents have poor perception of tramadol use, and high level of environmental, peer and family influences encouraging the use of the drug. Most of the students used tramadol to enhance happy emotions and boost their sexual ability. The significant predictors of tramadol use included gender, perception, peer influence, family influence and enabling factors such as accessibility and affordability. Intentional incorporation of substance abuse prevention program in school curriculum, enforcing discipline and proper monitoring of students including counselling is pertinent to curb the prevalence of tramadol-use.