Factors Contributing to the Onset and Continuation of Drug Abuse among Secondary School Students in Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

Adolescence is a period of significant developmental changes associated with the onset of drug abuse worldwide. This study was set up to examine some of the factors associated with the onset and escalation of drug abuse among secondary school students in Mombasa, Kenya. It also investigated the intervention strategies used to control drug abuse among secondary school students. Stratified sampling was used to pick 120 students from secondary schools. A self-report questionnaire was used. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tabular form. The findings of this study highlighted the importance of peer and family use of drugs in predicting both the onset and continuation of abuse of drugs among the secondary school students. Majority of student respondents reported high levels of awareness of harmful effects associated with substance use. The findings of this study suggest effective health guidance can assist secondary school students make rational choices away from drugs.