IMPACT OF EXAMINATION ANXIETY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON SUBSTANCE USE AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the influence of examination anxiety and domestic violence and substance use among public university students in Anambra State. A total of 400 students (M = 22.6, SD = 5.38) were purposively selected from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam. Data were collected over a three-month period (June to August 2024) using the Examination Anxiety Scale, Domestic Violence Scale, and Substance Use Scale. Hierarchical linear regression analysis indicated that domestic violence significantly predicted substance use (β = 0.029, p < .05), as did examination anxiety (β = 0.647, p < .05). Together, the two predictors accounted for 26.1% of the variance in substance use (R² = .261). These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions such as psychotherapy and counseling for anxiety and trauma associated with substance use behavior.