Assessing the Life Skills Of Street Children Who Use Substances in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria - Asu Obasse Benedict, Day 4, 11:00-12:30

Presented as part of the Uniting the global community to face the challenge of addiction event, online on 15th May, 2022

Presentation:

• Assessing the Life Skills Of Street Children Who Use Substances in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria - Asu Obasse Benedict

Abstract:

• Assessing the Life Skills Of Street Children Who Use Substances in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria - Asu Obasse Benedict

Introduction

The study examined critical skills of assertiveness, refusal skill, locus of control, decision-making and problem solving.

Objective

A key objective of this study was to assess the life skills knowledge of street children and its impact on their substance use.

Method

Data gathered by means of a researcher-designed questionnaire was used to collect data from 316 street children in Calabar Metropolis. The street children were 231 males and 85 females, with ages ranging from 5 to17 years (mean = 11.6 years). The data was presented and analyzed using tables and percentages.

Result

Findings revealed among other things that street children due to their growing up in a disadvantaged environment lack opportunities to develop these skills, making them vulnerable instead of resilient.

Conclusion

Life skills act as a link between basic functioning and a person's capabilities. The study recommended that these essential ingredients should be made available for street children to help mediate problem behaviors such as substance use

Learning objectives

ISSUP conference as always will offer me an opportunity to gain knowledge of the latest in the field of substance abuse, treatment and recovery support. It will also be great to meet and exchange ideas with professionals around the world and learn what is working for them especially in this Covid era. This networking will equally help me deepen professional relationships. And with the training opportunities, it will be great to obtain my ICAP II certification.