THE INFLUENCE OF DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON DEVIANT BEHAVIOUR AMONG STUDENTS IN LEARNING INSTITUTIONS; A CASE OF SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KOROGOCHO SLUMS, NAIROBI COUNTY.

Abstract

Drugs and substance abuse is a problem that has raised concern all over the world especially among the youth in and out of school. It impacts negatively on the academic, social psychological and physical development among the abusers. This study was aimed at establishing the influence of drug and substance abuse on students* behavior in learning institutions. The objectives of the study were: to determine the effects of drugs and substance abuse on social conduct within the school environment, to examine its effects on academic performance as well as the mitigating measures provided by school authorities in managing drug and substance abuse in secondary schools in informal settlements. A descriptive survey research design was employed. The study population comprised of five secondary schools in Korogocho slums. The sampling was done using stratified random sampling to select three secondary schools based on ownership. Systematic random sampling was then employed to select students to be included in the study, a total of 102 students were sampled. All the counseling and guidance teachers, school heads and their deputies and class teachers were also sampled totaling to 15. A questionnaire was used to gather information from students* respondents while interview guide was used for key informants. The questionnaire and interview schedule were self-administered to ensure confidentiality. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The instrument’s validity and reliability was enhanced through a pilot study in two schools and were not included in the main study The presentation was done through frequencies, percentiles, charts and tables. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 17 was used in data analysis.