African Biology Research (Core Life Science) | 19 September 2008
Meta-Analysis on Long-term Effects of School-Based Mental Health Care Initiatives on Student Behaviour and Substance Abuse in Southern Nigerian Schools
F, u, n, m, i, l, a, y, o, O, l, u, w, a, d, a, m, i, l, a, r, e, ,, N, w, a, n, k, w, o, C, h, i, n, e, d, u, ,, C, h, i, k, e, O, b, i, n, n, a
Abstract
{ "background": "Southern Nigerian schools have reported increasing incidences of student behavioural issues and substance abuse, prompting a need for comprehensive mental health interventions.", "purposeandobjectives": "The purpose is to conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the long-term impact of school-based mental health care initiatives on student behaviour and substance use across Southern Nigerian schools.", "methodology": "A systematic review and meta-analysis approach was employed using databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Studies were included if they met specific criteria related to design, sample size, and outcome measures.", "findings": "Overall, school-based mental health care initiatives showed a statistically significant reduction in substance abuse rates by $5\%$ (95% CI: [3%, 7%]) compared to control groups. These findings are consistent across different schools but varied by type of intervention.", "conclusion": "School-based mental health care initiatives appear effective in reducing student substance abuse, although variability exists based on the specific programme implemented.", "recommendations": "Further research should explore long-term follow-up and scalability issues to ensure sustainable implementation in Nigerian educational settings.", "keywords": "Meta-analysis, School-based Mental Health Care, Substance Abuse Prevention, Southern Nigeria", "contribution_statement": "This study provides robust evidence on the effectiveness of school-based mental health care initiatives for substance abuse prevention." } --- School-based mental health care initiatives have been introduced to address increasing behavioural issues and substance use among students in Southern Nigerian schools. This meta-analysis evaluated the long-term impact of these programmes across different settings, focusing on student behaviour and substance use rates. Utilising a systematic review approach with databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus, studies meeting specific criteria were included. The analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in substance abuse rates by $5\%$ (95% CI: [3%, 7%]) among students exposed to these programmes compared to control groups. These findings suggest that school-based mental health care initiatives are effective in preventing substance use