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All Journal International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)
Lucy, Fernandes
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Health Professions

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Prevalence, patterns, and associated factors for substance use among university students in Maseru, Lesotho Kamohelo, Phoofolo; Lucy, Fernandes; Kebogile, Mokwena
International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) Vol 14, No 4: December 2025
Publisher : Intelektual Pustaka Media Utama

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.11591/ijphs.v14i4.26783

Abstract

Psychoactive substance use among students has implications for early substance dependence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, patterns, and reasons for substance use among university students in Maseru, Lesotho. There were 302 students who participated in this descriptive, cross-sectional survey. Descriptive statistics summarized the findings obtained from a self-administered online questionnaire. The prevalence rate for alcohol (44.4%), dagga (6%), and cigarette smoking (6%) was statistically significantly higher among males than females (p<0.05). Alcohol was consumed to feel good by 26.1% of the participants, 38.9% smoked cigarettes to handle stress, and 22.2% used dagga because it is easily available (22.2%). This study identified a unique pattern of substance use among university students, which is limited to alcohol, cigarettes, and dagga, with the exclusion of hard drugs. Effective and comprehensive health promotion programs should be implemented in Lesotho to prevent the introduction of hard-core psychoactive substances.
Co-Authors Kamohelo, Phoofolo Kebogile, Mokwena