Publication: Assessment of alcohol and drug abuse and associated risk factors among secondary school students in Muhanga district, Nyamabuye sector
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2013
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Abstract
This study was designed to assess the alcohol and drugs abuse and associated risk factors among students in secondary school in Muhanga district and their academic performance. To find out the prevalence of alcohol and drugs abuse among secondary school students in selected schools from Nyamabuye sector of Muhanga district; to establish the risk factors of alcohol and drug abuse in these schools; and to establish the prevention measures of alcohol and drug abuse in secondary schools in the district. The target population was 1200 students from three secondary schools selected in Muhanga district. The 3 schools (Gahogo Adventist Academy, ETEKA, and Groupe scolaire de Gitarama) were chosen by simple random sampling method from 8 schools of Nyamabuye sector. The respondents were 300 students sampled from the target population, of which 66% were males and 34% females. Data were collected using one main instrument, questionnaires, and presented in tables and graphs. The study also used one technique (Simple Random Sample) to select the respondents and used quantitative approach. The three objectives were achieved at a significant level of 0.05 and data were analyzed using t-test statistic to test for difference between sample means. The study found that the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse among secondary school students in Muhanga district is 0.06(6%). The academic performance of the alcohol and drug users was lower than who do not use alcohol and drug. Fifty percent (50%) of alcohol and drug users were found to score between 50-59% in classes while 16.7% scored < 50%, and 33.3% got 60-69%.None of them managed to score over 70%.The main risk factors were the lack of school authority guidance (71%), lack of knowledge on drug’s adverse effects (67.3) %, and curiosity (41%). A good number of respondents agreed to have used alcohol and drugs just by influence of their school mates. To decrease or eliminate the alcohol and drug abuse among secondary school students, the potential prevention measures suggested include a greater student’s awareness, consistent school authority and parental guidance, and composition of anti-drugs clubs
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Alcohol abuse, drug abuse