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Abstract

Sexual dependence and abuse of drugs including the abuse of sexual stimulants and abortion drugs has been observed among the urban teens. This finding was observed through personal encounters and follow-up investigations while working with teenagers in selected communities of Lagos State. Many youngsters are engaging in risky sexual activities while abusing both prescribed drugs and psychotropic substances to enhance their sexual performance. Most of these sexual activities have resulted to high risk of teenage pregnancy abortion with misuse and abuse of drugs and substances to prevent pregnancy or induce the abortion. In most cases, the male partner responsible contributes or influences the use of these drugs and substances for the prevention of pregnancy or induced abortion. It was also found that these teen surf on the internet to discover abortion pills and have been able to obtain these pills from the pharmacy shops without doctor�s prescription. The most abortion pills that have been found used by these teens are Mifepristone and Misoprostol.Some of the affected teens that have committed an unsafe abortion are experiencing post abortion syndrome while passing through physical and emotional trauma thereby resort to drugs and substance abuse, and some had educational setback or have dropped out from the school. It was found that teens use drugs such as Viagra, Marijuana and local herbal substancesmostly to stimulate or boost their sexual performance. They purchase these drugs through street drug hawkers. Tramadol is widely abused by these teens to delay ejaculation and prolong intercourse. This tramadol is mostly abused without knowledge of the effect and health implications of the use. It was also observed that teens have developed a strong network of sex engagements on social media using most especially Facebook account to connect to others and negotiate for physical visits or arrangement for sexual intercourse. In this process they also discuss or exchange information on various drugs and substances they can use to stimulate their sexual urge. This study was carried out in Lagos Urban community which revealed the risk sexual behavioral activities engaged by youngsters.

Biography

Molobe Ikenna Daniel is a Public Health Consultant and Researcher. He has spent major part of his career in public health intervention activities having worked with both local and international organizations. He has wide ranging experience in the development of social intervention programs on drugs and substance abuse for young people. He is a Senior Proof-reader of the International Journal of Health and Education, Lead Guest Editor of Special Issue on Addiction and Substance Abuse of Science Journal of Public Health (SJPH), and reviews research papers for other international journal publications. He is also a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Scientific Research and Studies. He has been invited as a Speaker at a number of conferences on drugs and substance abuse, and has published in peer reviewed journals and other appropriate arenas. He is the author of “Hunters, a story of teenage drug abuse”. He is a Co-founder/Trustee of Unified Initiative for a Drug-Free Nigeria, and a member of World Federation against Drugs (WFAD). He received his Master’s degree in Public Health from the Department of Community Health, University of Lagos; and his Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. He also holds a National Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu.

Email: danike1@yahoo.com