A study conducted at the University of Port Harcourt shows that about 39.6 per cent of students in Nigerian universities use performance-enhancing drugs.
According to the researchers, the most commonly used drugs are tramadol (33.5 %) and viagra (29.9%); about 8.9 % of those using performance-enhancing drugs do not use condoms and both males and females reported headaches (23.4 %) and abdominal cramps (19.6 per cent) lasting for more than 24 hours.
The study was based on an online descriptive cross-sectional survey that involved 340 male and female students of the university from March to May 2022.
The researcher also added that there was no significant association between the use of performance-enhancing drugs and echo grade points but orgasmic dysfunction, anxiety and low sexual desires are the likely determinants that might arise as a result of the use of those drugs.
Speaking on the paper, one of the authors of the study who presented at the 2nd edition of the Ibadan public health conference said many think performance-enhancing drugs are the solution to sexual dysfunction.
Dr Pepple added, “a lot of mismanagement in the media has led to many youths being misled about the effects of performance-enhancing drugs.
He added that many are using those drugs without knowing the implications and that’s why they want to create awareness with their study.
“The side effects of performance-enhancing drug, in its most severe form, include rage, antisocial and violent behaviour as well as lack of sexual intimacy among the two partners,” he asserted.
Written by Adekunle Biodun