Investigation into the causes and impact of drugs and substance abuse amongst secondary school students in Kandara district.

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to identify the role of school environment and factors associated with drug and substance abuse among the secondary school student in Kandara District . Research globally, on adolescent drug use revealed major trends and increase in substance abuse. This in turn has impacted on their academic and social life. The results of the study will enable teachers, health workers, parents and other stakeholders to effectively work out strategies to ensure the success of drug eradication programmes. Being a sample survey study, data collection was done using questionnaire. Data analysis was done manually using statistics such as percentages and frequencies these were represented using tables, graphs and charts. This was a cross section study designed to determine factors associated with drug abuse among secondary school students. The objective of this study designed to determine factors associated with drug abuse among secondary students and also to determine the effect of age, gender and peer influence on drug abuse to establish the reason why student abuse drugs. From this study it was concluded that drug abuse was widespread in secondary school in Kandara District and although it affected both genders, boys were more involved that girls. The study therefore recommended that early intervention should target students at an early age with the aim of preventing drug abuse in the said county.