'NAFDAC and Your Health' Television Programme and Drug Abuse Amongst Youths in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Drug abuse is a social menace that has spread across genders over the years, posing a threat to individuals, groups, nations, and the world. The study investigated the "NAFDAC and Your Health" television programme on drug abuse amongst youths in Lagos State. The study assessed level of awareness of the programme amongst youths in the state, level of drug abuse amongst youths in Lagos state despite the television programme, and perceived effectiveness of the media platforms [Television Continental (TVC) and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)] used to air the programme.A descriptive survey was employed, purposive sampling technique was adopted to select 210 samples from University of Lagos youths and drug abusers from rehabs to whom questionnaires were administered. The study showed that despite the sensitisation programme on television, many (56%) youths admitted to taking drugs without doctor’s prescription. Majority (68%) of the youths still abuse drugs despite the anti-drug abuse programme on television. 74% youths pay little attention to the programme on drug abuse. This study concludes thatdespite awareness of the programme, they pay little or no attention to the programme message. Youths still engage in self-medication and other forms of drug abuse. They have shifted their focus from television to social media and found both television stations ineffective. It was recommended thatthe programme should be given more coverage on topics of drug abuse and reach on more television stations preferably stations that interest youths in the state. Social media platforms should also be integrated with television stations.