Assessing the prevalence, causes and socio-economic consequences of drug abuse among Okada riders in Oshimili north local government area of Delta State, Nigeria

Drug abuse remains a major public health concern globally and in Nigeria, particularly among commercial motorcyclists who are exposed to occupational stress, peer influence, and easy accessibility to psychoactive substances. A cross-sectional research design was adopted for this Study with the aim of assessing the prevalence, causes and socio-economic consequences of substance abuse among Okada riders in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. The sample comprised of 263 Okada riders selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a researcher self-developed questionnaire. The instrument was validated and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient which yielded a result of 0.8. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square) at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a high prevalence of drug abuse among Okada riders, with alcohol 71.9% as the most predominantly used, tramadol 32.7% as the primary substance among users, as well as cannabis 16.7%, and heroine 8.4% as being the most commonly abused substances. Major perceived causes included financial problems 39.9%, stress and anxiety 37.3%, peer influence 19.0%, The study further identified significant perceived socio-economic consequences such as reduced productivity (M = 2.87), financial difficulties/debts (M = 2.81). The study concluded that drug abuse among Okada riders poses serious public health, social, and safety concerns