Effects of drug and substance abuse on academic performance in Nyeri county.

Abstract

The investigation was carried out in Nyeri County, majoringon three constituencies among five that make up the entire county; that is Nyeri town, othaya and mukwereini constituencies. Despite having 584 primary schools and 194 secondary schools with enrolment of about 145,900 and 47,524 pupils and students respectively in the county, boarding and day schools, male, female students and even mixed schools-the investigation was only carried out in a few schools in the region. The investigation used data collection procedures and techniques towards finding out effects of drugs and substance abuse in schools on academic performance. Since drug abuse has always been a menace in Kenya; experimenting on drugs especially beer, cigarettes, bhang and miraa it has continued to pose a threat on their own health, safety and academics while creating havoc and mayhem in the family. The effects have led to dismal performance and even death. The study has sought to establish a trend so as to analyze/come up strategies used to address the problem and come up with a programme for prevention and intervention. The results of the study will enable the teacher, parents and other stakeholders to effectively work out strategies to ensure success of drug eradication programmes. Survey design was used for research study and it incorporated both qualitative and quantitative research. Data analysis was done manually using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies and represented using graphs and tables. From this study it was concluded that drug abuse has been widespread in Nyeri County. Although it affected both genders, more were boys because the abusers lack proper guidance from society in trying to stop the problem. Research of study recommends that early intervention should target students by enlightening and giving them attention at an early stage with an aim of preventing abuse and its effects on academic performance.