Background and objectives: Substance abuse is a growing public health crisis in Nigeria, with commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) representing a particularly vulnerable occupational group due to stressful working conditions, economic hardship, and easy access to psychoactive substances. Despite the high prevalence of substance use in this population, limited research has examined its perceived impact on quality of life, particularly in semi-urban communities. This study aimed to assess the perceived impact of substance abuse on the quality of life of Okada riders in Ilawe Ekiti, Nigeria, by determining the prevalence and patterns of substance use, identifying commonly abused substances, evaluating the perceived effects on physical, mental, social, and economic wellbeing, and exploring preventive strategies. Methods: A mixed-methods descriptive study was conducted among 50 Okada riders in Ilawe Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Quantitative data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire adapted from standardized substance abuse assessment tools, capturing socio-demographic characteristics, substance use history, types of substances used, perceived impacts on wellbeing, and preventive strategies. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 10 purposively selected riders to explore lived experiences, motivations, and contextual factors influencing substance use. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 29, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at p0.05). Conclusion: Substance abuse among Okada riders in Ilawe Ekiti is highly prevalent and multifactorial, driven by occupational stressors, easy accessibility, and peer influence. Riders demonstrate awareness of the negative consequences on their quality of life yet continue use due to perceived short-term benefits and lack of alternatives. The dissociation between knowledge and behavior underscores the need for structural interventions beyond individual education. Findings highlight the urgent need for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches combining occupational health reforms, substance use screening and counseling, community-based rehabilitation, and economic empowerment programs. Nurses and other healthcare professionals have a critical role in prevention, early identification, and holistic care for this vulnerable occupational group.
Agbetayo et al. (Fri,) studied this question.