Role of religion in compating drugs and substance abuse in secondary schools in Kenya:A case study of Nairobi East District.

Abstract

The research sought to investigate the role of religion on drugs and substance abuse in Kenyan Secondary Schools. The main objective of the study was to determine the role played by religion in fighting drug and substance abuse in secondary schools. Three major religions were studied; Christianity, Islamic and Hinduism. The research employed purposeful and stratification sampling. A sample of 12 schools was picked randomly for data collection. The researcher sought to establish the effect of religion on drug abuse and performance in secondary schools. The target population was the secondary school students, and guidance and counselling/religious teachers in Nairobi East. Data collection was done by use of self assessment questionnaires which were administered during planned visits to the schools. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient used to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variable. Data was then presented in form of tables and charts. The findings revealed that religion was used to combat drug abuse in secondary schools. There were significant negative correlations between use of religion in combating drug abuse and drug abuse in schools, religious commitment of students and drug abuse among students, and religious teaching and drug abuse among the students. The researcher recommended the careful or controlled inclusion of religion in the fight against drug abuse in secondary schools.