Substance Abuse among Youths in Cros River State: What is the Relative and Contributive Effect of Parental Factors?

This study explores the impact of parental influences on youth involvement in substance abuse within Cross River State. To achieve this aim, four guiding hypotheses were proposed. The review of related literature covered conceptual, theoretical, and empirical perspectives aligned with the study’s focus. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, involving 1,652 youths drawn from the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State. Data were obtained through a structured instrument titled Parental Factors and Substance Abuse Tendencies Scale (PFSATS). Reliability testing using Cronbach’s alpha produced coefficients ranging between 0.87 and 0.91, confirming strong internal consistency. The analysis revealed that parental factors such as parenting style, level of care, quality of communication, and degree of involvement significantly influence the likelihood of substance use among youths. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends the introduction of comprehensive parenting education programs designed to strengthen parents’ capacity for positive child-rearing practices. Such programs should promote emotional warmth, supportive interaction, open communication, and consistent parental participation as effective strategies for reducing substance abuse among young people.