Drug abuse remains a major health concern worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. The misuse of pharmaceutical drugs, including contraceptives, has become a growing problem, especially among young girls. Stella Babatope, a renowned scientist, has raised alarms about the need for better drug literacy and stronger regulations to curb the rising trend of contraceptive abuse in the country.
In a review of her 2019 research conducted at Babcock University, Babatope highlighted the increasing misuse of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), which are commonly used for birth control and reproductive health management. While COCs are widely prescribed and have significant benefits, such as preventing pregnancy and managing hormonal imbalances, their improper use can have severe health consequences. These include hormonal dysregulation, weight gain, menstrual cycle disruptions, and the development of cardiometabolic syndrome, a condition linked to diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Babatope noted that many young Nigerians, especially girls, have little understanding of the potential risks associated with contraceptive abuse. Side effects such as weight gain are often misunderstood or even seen as justifiable reasons for misuse. This lack of education, combined with easy access to these drugs, has led to an alarming rise in their abuse, prompting Babatope to conduct an experimental study to investigate the issue further.
The study, titled Ameliorating Effect of Ganoderma lucidum on Combined Oral Contraceptive-induced Cardiometabolic Syndrome in Female Guinea Pigs, explored potential solutions to mitigate the negative effects of COCs. Babatope found that Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal mushroom, could help counteract some of the adverse health outcomes caused by the drug. Her research emphasizes the urgent need for better pharmaceutical literacy and stricter regulations on the sale and distribution of contraceptives.
“Without proper education and regulation, the unregulated use of COCs can lead to severe health complications such as diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases,” Babatope said. “It is critical that we raise awareness and ensure that contraceptives are used safely and responsibly.”
Babatope’s findings underscore the need for the Nigerian government to take proactive measures to address pharmaceutical drug misuse, particularly among youth. She calls for a reform of the education system to include drug literacy programs and for stronger oversight in medical and educational settings to prevent the abuse of contraceptives.
A licensed medical laboratory scientist with expertise in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, Babatope is currently a Research Assistant at the University of Georgia, USA. She has made significant contributions to cardiometabolic research, diabetic wound healing, and menopause, and is now exploring cancer research. Her work continues to make a global impact, advocating for improved health literacy and the safe use of pharmaceuticals.
As Nigeria faces the growing challenge of drug abuse, Babatope’s research serves as a reminder of the need for a more informed society where individuals, particularly young women, are educated about the risks associated with pharmaceutical misuse and the importance of proper medical guidance.
“Without proper education and regulation, the unregulated use of COCs can lead to severe health complications such as diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases,” Babatope said. “It is critical that we raise awareness and ensure that contraceptives are used safely and responsibly.”
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