Factors that influence drug abuse among boys in high school: A case study of Nakuru north District
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Date
2012Author
Gituru,William G
Type
ThesisLanguage
en_USMetadata
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The main objective of the study was to investigate the factors that influence drug abuse among boys in high school with a specific focus on Nakuru North district. The .descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The target population comprised of students, head teachers, school counselors, class teachers and a local chief. The data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis.
The study findings revealed that drug abuse among boys in high school is influenced by factors such as peer pressure, curiosity, influence from family members, influence from mass media and celebrities, lack of knowledge about the dangers of drug abuse, easy availability of drugs, low cost of drugs, excessive pocket money, the wish to increase intelligence and lack of good role models in teachers and parents.
Other factors are lack of strictness on adherence to school regulations, lack of adequate guidance and counseling services, permissiveness in the society. The study recommends that the education programs aimed at addressing drug abuse among students should be holistic and address both the risk and protective factors; school programs aimed at prevention of drug abuse should be ongoing from Form 1 to Form 4 for students and include teacher; skill development needs to be a central element in programmes addressing drug abuse; full cooperation between teachers, community and government in eradication of drug abuse; Ministry of Education should mount intensive training for all those directly involved in counseling students to give them confidence in service delivery; and mass media should use their programmes to disseminate information that would curb drug abuse among students, youths in the country and general public.
Publisher
University of Nairobi, Kenya