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Abstract
Few studies in Nigeria have specifically examined psychoactive substance use among young offenders. Using the Modified World Health Organization (WHO) Student Drug Use Questionnaire, 54 borstal inmates (a secure correctional facility for juveniles) and 104 secondary school students were compared across several drug use variables. Alcohol was the most prevalent substance used in the lifetime among the borstal inmates and they used it significantly more than the students (66.7% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.03). The difference in alcohol use, however, was no longer significant when age and dysfunctional family background were taken into account in a regression model. Cannabis was the second most commonly used substance among the borstal group and its lifetime prevalence rate was significantly higher among them compared with the students (48.1% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.0001). The one-year prevalence rate of cannabis use was significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.0001). Lifetime tobacco use was also significantly higher among them. Lifetime psychoactive substance use is a significant problem among the borstal inmates in this study with associated psychological and legal implications. There is need to develop government policy directed at adequate screening, assessment and intervention for substance use disorders among borstal populations.