PEER ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE: IMPLICATIONS FOR MEDIA ARTS, PERFORMANCE ARTS AND FILM STUDIES IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Substance abuse among youths remains an important public health and social concern because of its implications for physical and psychological wellbeing, educational attainment, social relationships and community development. The peer environment is particularly important because young people interact closely with friends and social groups whose behaviours, attitudes and norms may influence their behavioural choices. This study examined peer environmental factors associated with substance abuse among youths in Anambra State and considered the implications of the findings for Media Arts, Performance Arts and Film Studies. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised youths aged 15–24 years residing in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, estimated at 45,000. A sample of 450 youths was selected through a multistage sampling procedure involving in-school, out-of-school and unemployed youths. Data were obtained from 438 respondents, representing a 97.3% valid response rate, using the Peer Environmental Factors and Substance Abuse among Youths Questionnaire (PEFSAYQ). The instrument contained 15 items and was validated by three experts. Its reliability coefficient was 0.81 using Cronbach's alpha. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation, with a criterion mean of 2.50. The findings showed that all five peer environmental factors examined were rated above the criterion mean, with a grand mean of 3.34. Peer pressure and the desire to gain acceptance within a social group that uses substances recorded a mean of 3.39, followed by association with friends who regularly use drugs, alcohol or tobacco (M = 3.36), normalization of substance use within peer groups (M = 3.33), introduction to substances by peers or close friends (M = 3.31), and association with peers involved in risk-taking behaviours such as truancy, gang affiliation and delinquency (M = 3.29). The findings indicate that peer-related social experiences are important contextual factors associated with substance abuse among youths. The study further argues that Media Arts, Performance Arts and Film Studies can provide creative platforms for addressing peer norms, social acceptance, substance-use narratives and youth decision-making. The study recommends the development of evidence-informed films, theatre productions, peer-oriented media campaigns, digital storytelling and participatory creative-arts programmes for substance-abuse prevention among youths in Anambra State.