Knowledge of drug and substance abuse in public Primary in Ngong division

Abstract

This research is a case study designed to investigate the knowledge of drugs and substance abuse in public primary schools in Ngong division, Kajiado District, Rift Valley Province. The principle objective was to explore whether the pupils are knowledgeable about drug and substance abuse. This study therefore, will assist to put in place proper and corrective interventions that will help in combating drug and substance abuse among primary school pupils. The research mainly used a questionnaire to obtain responses from pupils. An interview guide was also used to obtain responses from key informants. The researcher selected 90 standard seven and eight pupils from a total of 54 public schools in Ngong division, ten from each school sampled for the study. Thirty six key informants were also selected from each of the schools sampled, four key informants from each school sampled and the four key informants were a head teacher, a teacher, a parent and a subordinate staff. The data received was presented in form of frequency distribution tables, percentage for every particular isolated behaviour. The study revealed that primary school pupils were aware of existence of drugs and substance abuse in public primary schools. The study was also able to establish that although it is not common some children start consuming cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana as early as 8 or 9 years of age. Enquiries about the pupils' attitude towards cigarettes smoking, bhang smoking, chewing miraa and drinking changaa/ busaa showed that most pupils disapproved the abuse of these drugs/ substances. The study further established that the pupils in public schools were aware of various methods of intervention being employed by the government, the schools administration, the churches and other stakeholders in curbing the problem of drug and substance abuse in public primary schools in the country. The study also revealed that those primary school pupils who abuse drugs / substances exhibit unique behaviour. The results have been used to make recommendations to the stakeholders in order to curb the problem of drug/substance abuse