KOLA NUT, A FRIEND OR A FOE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION STUDENTS IN NIGERIA

Despite its common use, there is a dearth of research on kola nut. This study investigated whether there was any association between kola nut use and general psychiatric morbidity; and also sought to determine socio-demographic risks factors for kola nut use. Five hundred full time undergraduate students from the University of Benin were recruited via multistage sampling technique. The instrument consisted of socio-demographic variables, 28-items general health questionnaire (to screen for general psychiatric morbidity) and the stimulant section of the World Health Organisation Questionnaire for Student Drug Use Surveys. There was found to be a significant association between current use of kola nut and general psychiatric morbidity whereas no socio-demographic variable was associated with kola nut use. Consequently students will need to avoid the use of kola nuts in order to maintain mental health.