Integrating substance use prevention into adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health programs; policy and programmatic insights from cross river state, nigeria
1
Department of Public Health, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
2
Cypress Global Health, Calabar, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The Empowering Health project brings young people, especially those in remote communities, to tackle intertwined challenges of substance abuse, limited sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) services, and gender-based violence (GBV).
METHODS:
A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted in March 2025. Using Kobo Toolbox, quantitative data were collected from 710 adolescents (10-19years) across 12 secondary schools in urban and rural communities, and a focused group discussion with those living with disabilities. Findings guided a 6-month youth-led sensitization that reached over 10000 students across 16 schools, 7 faith-based groups, and community platforms. A total of 5000 sanitary pads and 3000 educational materials were distributed.
RESULTS:
Awareness was high for substance abuse, 86.6%, and SRHR 72%. Substance use prevalence was 9.6%; cocaine (37.6%), cannabis (35.8%), and tobacco (30.2%) were most common. However, 79.7% recognized associated health risks, 81.6% linked substance use to mental health issues, limited counseling access, with 82.4% never seeking or receiving counseling/treatment. Majority affirmed the severity of substance abuse among youths, while 72.4% reported they would seek help for a friend or family member struggling with substance abuse. In relation to SRHR, while 73.8% believed teenage pregnancy is preventable, only 18.9% had spoken to a health professional, and 3.7% practiced safe sex. 45.6% knew contraceptives prevent pregnancy, 13.5% had no idea of the risks of unprotected sex, and 65.6% were comfortable discussing SRHR publicly. Policy awareness was low, with just 11.1% aware of SRHR policies. Intervention increased knowledge of risk, confidence in reporting, enabled referrals for mental health and legal support, and reframed perceptions of SRHR. Educators' capacity to support beneficiaries' health was strengthened, and trust was built during the research and intervention phases.
CONCLUSIONS:
The integration of substance-use prevention with SRHR and GBV education can close knowledge gaps, boost policy awareness, and create safer spaces for all adolescents.
The Empowering Health project brings young people, especially those in remote communities, to tackle intertwined challenges of substance abuse, limited sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) services, and gender-based violence (GBV).
METHODS:
A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted in March 2025. Using Kobo Toolbox, quantitative data were collected from 710 adolescents (10-19years) across 12 secondary schools in urban and rural communities, and a focused group discussion with those living with disabilities. Findings guided a 6-month youth-led sensitization that reached over 10000 students across 16 schools, 7 faith-based groups, and community platforms. A total of 5000 sanitary pads and 3000 educational materials were distributed.
RESULTS:
Awareness was high for substance abuse, 86.6%, and SRHR 72%. Substance use prevalence was 9.6%; cocaine (37.6%), cannabis (35.8%), and tobacco (30.2%) were most common. However, 79.7% recognized associated health risks, 81.6% linked substance use to mental health issues, limited counseling access, with 82.4% never seeking or receiving counseling/treatment. Majority affirmed the severity of substance abuse among youths, while 72.4% reported they would seek help for a friend or family member struggling with substance abuse. In relation to SRHR, while 73.8% believed teenage pregnancy is preventable, only 18.9% had spoken to a health professional, and 3.7% practiced safe sex. 45.6% knew contraceptives prevent pregnancy, 13.5% had no idea of the risks of unprotected sex, and 65.6% were comfortable discussing SRHR publicly. Policy awareness was low, with just 11.1% aware of SRHR policies. Intervention increased knowledge of risk, confidence in reporting, enabled referrals for mental health and legal support, and reframed perceptions of SRHR. Educators' capacity to support beneficiaries' health was strengthened, and trust was built during the research and intervention phases.
CONCLUSIONS:
The integration of substance-use prevention with SRHR and GBV education can close knowledge gaps, boost policy awareness, and create safer spaces for all adolescents.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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