Assessment of Substance Use and Risky Behaviour Among Out-of-School Youths in Bauchi State

Out-of-school youths represent a particularly vulnerable population for substance use and associated risk behaviours, and their counselling and developmental needs are inadequately addressed in Nigerian public health and education programming. This study assessed the prevalence of substance use and risky behaviours among out-of-school youths aged 15 to 24 in Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi State, North East Nigeria. A community-based descriptive survey was conducted among 280 youths recruited through purposive sampling from motor parks, market areas, and apprenticeship compounds. A structured questionnaire assessed substance use patterns, sexual risk behaviours, gang affiliation, and access to counselling or social services. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied. Results showed that 58.6 percent reported regular alcohol use, 41.4 percent reported cannabis use, and 24.6 percent reported use of prescription opioids non-medically. Unprotected sexual intercourse in the preceding 3 months was reported by 55.4 percent. Gang or criminal group affiliation was acknowledged by 17.5 percent. Access to any youth counselling or development programme was reported by only 9.6 percent. Unemployment and boredom were cited as the primary drivers of risky behaviour by 73.2 percent of respondents. The study recommends targeted community-based counselling outreach for out-of-school youths, vocational skills integration with counselling support, and coordination between state youth development agencies and counselling professionals in Bauchi State.

Keywords: substance use, out-of-school youths, risk behaviour, Bauchi State, youth counselling