| dc.description.abstract | Druq and substance abuse has continued to be an issue of great concern with
over 200 million people reported to be drug abusers in the world. The use of
drugs and substances of abuse particularly tobacco, alcohol, bhangs and miraa
among Kenya's school going age has led to a public outcry.
It is in this light that the study was aimed at investigating the effects of Drugs and
Substance Abuse on learning in public secondary school. The study further
sought to establish the types of drugs and substances taken by the students and
why they took them. It also endeavoured to establish the level of awareness and
knowledge on the drugs and substances of abuse among the students and the
teachers. In addition, it further sought to establish what measures if any had
been put in place to curb the vice and how effective they were. The study further
sought to establish recommendations on how best the drug and substance abuse
menace can be contained in schools.
The literature reviewed gave insights into the concept of drug abuse. It stressed
on the extent of drug and substance abuse in school and its devastating effects.
The factors leading to drug and substance abuse were also given impetus.
A sample of 180 students and 12 teachers, was utilised for the study. Two case
studies were also conducted which involved two young men and their parents.
Purposive and random sampling methods were used to select the respective
samples. Students' questionnaire, interview schedules for teachers, children with
drug taking problems and parents of such children were instruments used to
collect data. A content analysis guide was also used to collect information from
the school curriculum. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis of data
obtained. This was in form of frequencies, percentages and mean. The findings
revealed that most of the respondents were aware of certain types of drugs taken
by students, however they were reluctant to own up to the habit. The teachers
too agreed that there was a drug taking problem in the schools.
The findings further revealed the devastating effects drugs have on learning.
The effects cited included poor academic performance, absenteeism, truancy,
lack of concentration and focus in class and school drop out. There were several
cases of suspension, expulsions and change of schools revealed by the findings
as a result of the vice.
The curriculum was also said not to be doing enough in curbing drug and
substance abuse. The conventional methods in place such as suspension and
expulsion of those caught in the web were also said not to be effective ways of
curbing drugs and substance abuse in schools.
Finally recommendations were given on how best to contain the drugs and
substance abuse in schools. They included strengthening of counselling
services in the schools as opposed to punishment, equipping the teacher
counsellors and the whole teaching fraternity with knowledge and skills in
dealing with those with drug taking problems, anti-drug campaigns, parental
guidance and strict law enforcement of drug trafficking. | en |
