Prevalence, correlates, and reasons for substance use among adolescents aged 10–17 in Ghana: a cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed-method study

Background:

In Ghana, substance use among adolescents poses significant risks to their health, wellbeing, and development. However, little is known about the outlets and reasons for substance use among Ghanaian adolescents. This study examined the prevalence, correlates, reasons for substance use, and outlets of these substances among adolescents aged 10–17 in Ghana.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the Department of Children, Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Ghana, which employed a cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed-methods technique to collect quantitative and qualitative data from children aged 8–17, parents or legal guardians and officials of state institutions responsible for the promotion and protection of children’s rights and wellbeing. Overall, 4144 adolescents aged 10–17 were interviewed for the quantitative data, while 92 adolescents participated in 10 focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test, and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to analyse the quantitative data, while the qualitative data was analysed thematically.

Results:

The occurrence of substance use stood at 12.3%. In terms of the kinds of substances used, alcohol (56.9%) and cigarettes (26.4%) were the most prevalent. Being male and currently employed posed significant risks, while being aged 10–13 and living in the Middle and Northern parts of Ghana acted as notable protective factors against substance use. Peers, family members who use substances, drugstores, and street dealers were the primary sources. Reasons for substance use included seeking enjoyment, using substances as aphrodisiacs, boosting self-assurance, coping with stress, and enhancing social status.

Conclusions:

There is a relatively high rate of substance use among young people in Ghana, necessitating a comprehensive approach involving risk behaviour counselling, parental supervision, and effective enforcement of substance use regulations and laws.