Drug intake and its effects on the nutritional health of youth in Bo City

Abstract

This study examines drug intake and its effects on the nutritional health of youth in Bo City, Sierra Leone. With substance abuse becoming an escalating public health concern, this research investigates the prevalence, patterns, and consequences of drug use among young people, focusing on its impact on their dietary well-being. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining questionnaires and interviews with 80 respondents, including youth, teachers, parents, and law enforcement officers. Key findings reveal that 37.5% of drug users were aged 11-20, with Tramadol (25%) and marijuana (24.1%) being the most abused substances. A significant 81.25% of respondents confirmed that drug abuse suppresses appetite, leading to malnutrition and related health complications. Additionally, 70% acknowledged existing drug control policies but criticized their weak enforcement, with ghettos (21.9%) and nightclubs (17.5%) identified as primary drug access points. Motivations for drug use included stress relief (20.6%) and economic hardship (15.3%), highlighting the intersection of psychological and socioeconomic factors. The study underscores the urgent need for integrated interventions combining drug rehabilitation, nutritional support, and stricter policy enforcement. Recommendations include school-based prevention programs, community awareness campaigns, and enhanced regulatory measures to curb drug accessibility. These findings contribute to the discourse on youth substance abuse in West Africa, emphasizing its nutritional and public health implications.