THE IMPACT OF DRUG USAGE ON THE SELF MOTIVATION AND ASPIRATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF AGE AND GENDER

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of demographic factors and drug use on selfmotivation
among students attending Enugu State University of Science and Technology
(ESUT). Two hundred and ninety-four (294) participants with mean age of 21.01 years
were used for the cross-sectional survey. In order to measure the variables of interest,
validated questionnaires were used to collect data. Thereafter, to test the study
hypotheses, an independent t-test, multiple linear regression and analysis of variance
statistics was employed to scrutinize the data gathered. The method of selection was
purposive sampling technique. Statistical findings revealed that students who reported
high drug use had low self-motivation more than students who reported low drug use t
(292) = -.234, P<0.05); further findings showed that demographic factors jointly
contributed to student’s self-motivation, F (4,263) = 3.48; p<0.05). also, an incidental
finding revealed that when marital status of participants was isolated and analysed, the
outcome indicated an independent contribution to drug use, F (2, 282) = 8.85; p<0.05).
Discussion was made drawing strength from empirical review; policy implications of the
study were highlighted, while limitation and suggestion for further research were
outlined.