Factors contributing to drug abuse among secondary school students in Nembure Division, Embu District

Abstract

The basic intent of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to drug abuse among from two and form four students in Nembure Division, Embu Distrcit. The sample selected consisted of form two and form four secondary school students (N=120) and their teachers (N=15). The cluster sampling technique was utilized due to the fact that the subjects were naturally grouped into classes. The staff were selected on the basis of their degree of contact with students. In the sample, those teachers dealing with matters of discipline, guidance and counselling, curriculum coordination as well as sport management were put into consideration. The tool selected for data collection was a set of questionnaires, developed for students and teachers respectively. These questionnaires took into consideration all the areas indicated by the research questions.

Data collected were analyzed using the chi-square (c2) where frequency counts were involved. All tests of significance were done at alpha (a) level of 0.05. Other data were analyzed using cross-tabulations to show the relationship between the various variables. Similarly, percentage and frequencies were used to describe the variables in the study. The results of the study showed that the most commonly abused drugs among the students in the sample were alcohol, miraa (Khat), tobacco and bhang in that order. These drugs were easily available to the students and their sources were well known by the respondents.

The study found that there were; a. No significant relationships between drug use, abuse and i) Year of study ii) Religious affiliation iii) Parent drug habit iv) Peer influence b. Significant relationship between drug use, abuse and i) Sex of the subject ii) Type of school attended

With regard to the attitude towards drug use and abuse, the study established that there existed a high level of awareness of the harmful consequences of drug abuse. On the other hand the respondents acknowledged the feasibility of drug abuse education programme as an effective measure against drug abuse and also towards positive behaviour change.