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Abstract
In this study we sought to determine the prevalence of substance use among students in Monrovia, Liberia, in order to better characterize the extent of the problem and guide future research. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to examine the substance use behaviors of students in 16 secondary schools in greater and central Monrovia, Liberia. The sampling frame included all co-educational secondary schools in central and greater Monrovia. A total of 802 students completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 19±3 years. Alcohol was the most commonly used substance, with 51% (399) of respondents reporting using it. Additionally, 9% of all students reported marijuana consumption. Older respondents were more likely to have ever used marijuana. Men were more likely than women to ever consume marijuana and smoke cigarettes. There were no significant differences in gender or age for other drug use. Research has shown that younger people who consume alcohol are more likely to engage in high-risk behavior, such as unprotected sex, early sex or sex with multiple partners, than others their age. Given that the majority of our respondents reported first consuming alcohol before 18 years of age, drug prevention campaigns need to target younger adolescents.