The correlates, prevalence and attitudes towards drug use and abuse amongst first, second and fouth year students at Kenyatta University

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the correlates, prevalence and attitudes towards drug use and abuse amongst first, second and fourth year students at Kenyatta University.

A sample of 1000 Kenyatta University Students was selected using cluster sampling techniques as the subjects were naturally grouped into classes in each department which were used as the sampling units.

One self-report questionnaire was administered to each individual and the response rate was 91.4 percent.

Chi-square (X2) method was employed to test the null hypotheses as the data were in frequency counts. Percentage and frequencies were used to describe the variables.

The findings of the study indicated that there were:

(a) No significant relationships between drug use, abuse and

(i) year of study

(ii) Religious affiliation

(iii) socio-economic status

(b) Significant relationship between drug use and abuse and

(i) Gender of the subject

(ii) Home environment

On the investigation of the role of friends and parents as model in drug use a negative correlation was established between fathers involvement in drugs and that of the subjects. The findings of the study indicated a positive correlation between mothers and subjects involvement in drug. Also significant relationship was found between the subjects drug using behaviour and the involvement of their friends in drugs. This implies that the father is not the major model as the mother and friends play a contributive role in moulding the behaviour.

All the identified drugs were readily available and sources were known to those involved in this habit.

As for the attitude toward drugs use and abuse, it was established that the majority of the respondents were aware that involvement in drug was harmful to the health of the youth. The subjects acknowledged the viability of peer counselling and drug education as detterant measures against drug abuse.