Relationship between Selected School Factors and Drug Abuse among Students in Public Secondary Schools in Kahuro Sub-County, Murang’a County, Kenya

Abstract

Studies in the area of drug and substance use and abuse have concentrated on strategies of curbing drug abuse; however, there remains an overriding need to understand the root cause of drug use and abuse particularly among students; that is; school factors that facilitate drug abuse among the students (curiosity, school intervention strategies, peer pressure and availability of drugs). The study was guided by two theories; Modified Social Stress Model and the social model theory. The study adopted ex-post facto research design. The target population of the study was 11536 students, 36 teachers (Heads of Guidance and Counselling) and 36 principals. Ninety nine students, Thirty three teachers (Heads of Guidance and Counselling) and 33 principals were sampled from the population as respondents in the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to test the hypothesis. The findings of the study indicated propensity to use drugs was positively correlated to peer pressure. The study also found out that propensity to use drugs is negatively correlated to school intervention measures. Further, the study found out that propensity to use drugs is positively correlated to student curiosity. The findings of the study indicated that propensity to use drugs was positively correlated to availability of drugs. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that peer counseling in schools be strengthened, drug prevention policy in schools be made more participatory and involve students in formulating the policies aimed at drugs prevention. The findings of the study may be of help to teachers, students and school administrators in developing strategies that will deter students from engaging in drug abuse