This study examined demographic predictors of psychoactive substance use among young people living with HIV/AIDS (YPLWHIV/AIDS) attending a tertiary health institution in Ekiti State. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, 204 participants aged 10–35 years were recruited using a simple random sampling technique from the ART & C unit of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising a socio-demographic section and an adapted WHO-ASSIST tool to assess patterns and prevalence of psychoactive substance use. The instrument demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82) and validity, while ethical approval and informed consent were secured. Data were analyzed using multiple regression to determine the predictive influence of demographic variables on substance use. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were young adults, predominantly female, single, and students residing in urban areas, with most attaining at least secondary education. Alcohol and tobacco were the most commonly used substances, followed by sedatives, stimulants, and locally available psychoactive substances, whereas illicit drugs were less frequently used. Regression analysis showed that gender, marital status, and occupation significantly predicted psychoactive substance use, whereas age group, residence, educational qualification, and number of friends were not significant predictors. These results highlight the influence of both demographic and environmental factors, including familial and social exposures, in shaping substance use behaviors among YPLWHIV/AIDS. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions for high-risk demographic groups, integration of substance use education into HIV care, family and community-based programs to address environmental risk factors, and policy-driven youth-friendly programs promoting psychosocial support and healthy coping strategies.

Keywords: Young people, HIV/AIDS, Psychoactive substance use, Demographic predictors, ART & C clinic,

Cite this article: