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SENSITIZING THE YOUTH ON DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE.
MARY WANJIRU NGULUKYO
Q124/4618/2019
A PROPOSAL ON SENSITIZING THE YOUTH ON THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS AND
SUBSTANCE ABUSE SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
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MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATICS IN THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF BSC
HEALTH RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT.
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DECLARATION
I confirm that this project is entirely my work and has never been presented before in any other
university or institution.
Signature:
Date:
Name:
Mary Ngulukyo
Registration no.:
Q124/4618/2019
20/04/2022
Supervisor's approval
This proposal has been submitted for examination with my approval as the university supervisor.
Signature:
Date:
Name:
Dr. Beatrice
Department:
Health records and informatics
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page………………………………………………………………………….1
Declaration ……………………………………………………………………………2
Abbreviation and Acronyms……………………………………………………….3
ODT……………………………………………………………………………………4
Abstract………………………………………………………………………………8
Chapter One…………………………………………………………………………….9
I.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………….9
1.2Background……………………………………………………………….10
1.3 Purpose of the study………………………………………. ….11
1.4 Objective of the study……………………………….…………….11
1.5 Research hypothesis……………………………………………………….11
1.6 Significance of the study………………………………………………….11
1.7 Theoretical framework………………………………………12
Chapter Two………………………………………………………13
2.0 Literature review…………………………………………………13
2.1 Introduction………………………………………………….13
2.2 Factors contributing to drugs and abuse………………………….14
2.3 Strategies used to curb drugs and substance abuse………………14
2.4 Prevention programs……………………………………………………15
2.5 Summary…………………………………………………………….15
Chapter Three………………………………………………………………….16
3.0 Introduction……………………………………………………16
3.1 Research design…………………………………………………16
3.2 Location of Study…………………………………………………16
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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
DARE
Drugs and substance Abuse Resistant Education.
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
AOD
Alcohol and other drugs
DSA
Drugs and substance abuse
FGDs
Focus Group Discussions
G$C
Guidance and Counseling
HIV
Human Immuno deficiency Virus
MOE
Ministry of Education
NACADA
National Campaign Against Drug and substance Abuse
NIDA
National Institute of Drugs and substance Abuse
NGOs
Non-governmental organizations
ODT
Operational definition terms
UK
United Kingdom
US
United States of America
WHO
World Health Organization
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OPERATIONAL DEFINITION TERMS (ODT)
Drug- A substance that is chemical in nature and causes physical, mental and emotional
changes to people.
Drug and substance abuse - It is inappropriate use of a drug such that it results in negative
consequences upon a student's physical and/or psychological well-being.
Drug related problems- This term is used to describe all negative effects associated with drug
abuse such as violence, conflict with friends or school authorities, destruction of school’s
property and academic underperformance.
Indiscipline- This is a situation where personal conduct of students does not agree with the
expected standards and norms of the school and society.
Strategies- This term refers to the methods or approaches that schools have put in place to
address drug related problems in the institutions. They are also measures that have been put in
place by the Kenyan schools with the aim of curbing drug abuse and controlling its negative
effects.
Youth- Refers to young people between 13 and 25 years or their activities and their
characteristics. The majority of students in Kenyan secondary schools are between 13 and 20
years, a stage referred to as adolescence.
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ABSTRACT
Drugs and substance abuse is also a major problem in Kenya. According to the National
Campaign against Drug and Substance Abuse (NACADA) (NACADA, 2011) the past twenty
years had seen drugs and drug and substance abuse soar to an extent that it cut across all sectors
of life. The report noted that the level of drug and substance abuse was alarming because many
young people were being hooked on drugs each passing day, with alcohol, bhang and tobacco
being used by even school going children. Those between 16 to 30 years of age, a critical period
in one’s development, were the most affected.
The problem of drug and substance abuse among young people revolves around Tobacco,
alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, inhalants and tranquilizers. The problem of drugs and substance
abuse is real and serious in the Kenyan secondary schools more than 25% Kenyans high school
students and University students are addicts. The people communication Africa (2001), states
about 25.4% of the Kenyan adolescents and young adults’ experiment with drugs. The
adolescents and young adults in this case are aged between 16-20 years, this is the age found in
the secondary schools.
The study will adopt the descriptive survey research design and involve high schools. The
accessible population will comprise of approximately 2000 students, parents, Guidance and
Counseling (G $ C) teachers. Stratified and simple random sampling technique will be employed
to select the students, teachers and parents who will participate in the study.
Frequencies and percentages were used to describe and summaries data. Qualitative data
generated by open ended items in the questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions will
be organized in themes pertinent to the study objectives and summarized using frequencies and
percentages.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the background of the study, statement problem, purpose, objectives,
research hypothesis and significance. It also presents theoretical and conceptual frameworks of
the study.
BACKGROUND STUDY
Drug abuse is defined as inappropriate use of a drug such that it results in negative consequences
upon a student's physical and/or psychological well-being.
The use and abuse of drugs and other substances is a global phenomenon with a long history.
Over the past two decades, the use of illegal drugs and misuse of therapeutic drugs have spread
at an unprecedented rate and have penetrated every part of the globe. No nation has been spared
from the devastating problem caused by drug abuse. At the same time, broad spectrum of the
world community has demonstrated intense concern over the problem.
Drug abuse is one of the major social problems in Kenya with common and easily identifiable
manifestations in public health.
NACADA has adopted an intervention line that encompasses comprehensive education for longterm empowerment of youth and general public to counter drug abuse. There is close
collaboration in the fight against drug abuse with key factors including relevant government
departments, the media, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS) relevant professionals,
spiritual leaders, parents’ associations and institutional leaderships.
The use of drugs and substance abuse in high schools in Kenya is so rampant. A preliminary
survey of drug abuse conducted among secondary school students in Kenya was carried out and
the results of the study confirmed that drug abuse was quite prevalent among secondary school
students. The study revealed that the problem was more acute in urban schools compared to rural
schools.
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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM.
The control of drug use and substance abuse is a global challenge; efforts that have been
employed at international, regional and national level have not effectively deterred the
production, trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs and substances.
In Kenya despite the fact that there are measures such as legal restrictions and awareness
creation on the dangers of drug use and substance abuse, this problem is widespread in the
society at large and in many institutions especially schools, colleges and prisons. Some of the
measures instituted to curb drug and substance use and abuse include the introduction of the
famous Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2009 commonly referred to as ‘Mututho Law'
In a resolve to reign in on the problem of drug abuse, the government created the office of the
National Coordinator for the Campaign against Drug Abuse, (Kaguthi, 2007). The office has a
mission of coordinating and harmonizing drug abuse prevention education activities to create
awareness with an aim of achieving behavior and attitude change and eventually contribute to
significant reduction on demand and abuse of chemical substance especially on the youths.
The problem of drug and substance abuse among young people/ youth revolves around Tobacco,
alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, inhalants and tranquilizers.
Most of the drugs users in schools’ country wide use bhang while in urban areas they use the
hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin and opium are on the increase. The students have now moved
from the traditional drugs such as tobacco and alcohol to the more sophisticated ones. The
reports add that in cases where hard drugs are not readily available, students resort to cough
mixtures, tranquillizers, sedatives and sleeping pills. Between 30-40% of learners in classes 7, 8
and form one has taken drugs at varied times in their lives.
The use of drugs has very negative effects on the individual and the society at large. Drug abuse
results to contraction of HIV/AIDS and other blood borne diseases such as Hepatitis B, antisocial behavior, rise in mass indiscipline in school, ill health, also drugs threaten security and
integrity of a school. Drugs and substance use and abuse have been cited as the possible cause of
school unrest, violence, absenteeism, truancy and irresponsible behavior among the youth. It is
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also said to be one of the contributing factors to the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS due to the users
engaging in risky sexual behavior and also sharing of needles.
Drug and substance use and abuse among the youth has led to deaths through overdose, accidents
and drug related diseases such as cancer, mental illness and also suicide, school work is also
affected by the drug abuse habit.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study is to sensitize the youths on the effects of drugs and substance abuse
in secondary schools, Kenya.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
i.
Determine the Factors Contributing to Drug and Substance abuse among students
in Secondary Schools.
ii.
Establish the Sources of the Drug and Substance abused by students Secondary Schools.
iii.
Identify the types of Drugs and Substance commonly abused by students in Secondary
Schools.
iv.
Raise awareness in the use of substance abuse.
v.
Ensure myths set on drug abuse are not considered true.
vi.
RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
i.
What are the Factors Contributing to Drug and Substance Abuse in Secondary Schools?
ii.
What are the Sources of Drug and Substance abuse in Secondary Schools?
iii.
Which Drug and Substance do students in Secondary Schools, commonly abuse?
iv.
What are the myths shared among students about drug and substance use?
v.
What strategies can be used to curb drugs and substance abuse in Secondary Schools?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
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Schools are important places in which to provide knowledge and tools to prevent and reduce
youth drug involvement. Successful school-based prevention programs, targeting those most atrisk, contribute to reduce drug-related crime. Schools provide an opportune environment to
implement prevention programs that seek to reduce the risk factors and increase the protective
factors of substance use and abuse and future delinquency among youth.
School-based drug prevention programs that are targeted, evidence-based, interactive, youthfocused and, engaging, have been shown to have success in reducing drug abuse.
The findings of the study are also expected to be of significance to various stakeholders in
education. The findings could provide school managers, teachers, parents, NACADA and NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) involved in the fight against drug and substance abuse with
an insight of factors contributing to drug abuse, sources, types and frequency of use of drugs and
substances.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The goal is to develop strategies based on theories and models of prevention that can reverse or
prevent adolescent drugs and substance use.
A prevention technique based on cognitive dissonance theory proposes verbal inoculations to
establish or strengthen beliefs and attitudes, helping a young person to resist drinking, which
may be in conflict with another, more desirable goal.
In the developmental concept adolescence is a period of role confusion out of which the person's
identity should emerge. Prevention efforts built on this view seek to help adolescents to form
positive identities by achievement as students, athletes, and in community roles.
Behavioral intention theory provides a framework for understanding the role of perceived social
norms in directing behaviors. In the social development model, prevention programs should
create positive peer groups and ensure that the social environment does not give mixed messages.
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Health behavior theory is the basis for prevention strategies directed toward a person's entire
behavior instead of one aspect.
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
This Chapter reviews the existing literature on drugs and substance abuse and its effects. The
review was done under the following themes:

contributing factors to drug and substance abuse

types of abused drugs and substances

strategies used to curb drugs and substance abuse

Prevention programs
Factors contributing to drug and substance abuse
Peer pressure. Peer pressure is a strong factor in starting to use and misuse drugs, particularly
for young people.
Lack of family involvement. Difficult family situations or lack of a bond with your parents or
siblings may increase the risk of using drugs, as can a lack of parental supervision.
Physical and Sexual Abuse. The effects of physical and sexual abuse, specifically, on
adolescent behaviors regarding substance use have been examined, with researchers consistently
reporting a statistically significant relationship between physical or sexual abuse and adolescent
use of nicotine, marijuana, and alcohol. Being a victim of physical or sexual assault increases the
risk of an adolescent getting involved with substance use from two to four times.
Neglect. Includes any situation where a child's caregiver does not provide adequate living
necessities, including protection, clothing, health care, and/or food. Victims of neglect are at
increased risk for substance use.
Gang Affiliation. Higher rates of alcohol and marijuana use have been reported among gang
members than among those who are affiliated with a group of deviant peers. Gangs promote the
cycle of substance use, as the appeal of delinquent behavior can attract adolescents to a gang, and,
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once membership is established, participation in the gang can foster further deviant behaviors
and substance use.
Types of abused drugs and substances.
This information was deemed necessary because identifying drugs and substances is vital for any
prevention programmed.
The National Survey on Drug abuse and Health (NSDUH, 2002) revealed that marijuana,
cocaine, heroin, inhalants, alcohol and tobacco were the most frequently abused substances.
NACADA (2007) carried out a survey on drugs and substance abuse among the youth in Kenya.
The youths were from secondary, colleges and universities. The study established that majority
of the youth in these institutions abused, alcohol, miraa and illegal substances such as heroin,
cocaine and mandrax.
Strategies used to curb Drug and Substance Abuse
Drugs and substances abuse is among the major problems in learning institutions as it impacts
negatively on learners' education, psychological and physical health.
If left unaddressed, drugs and substance abuse among students could lead to high education
wastage, losing generations as well as underdevelopment owing to diversion of resources to
address; dependent young adults, increased crime rates and health care needs.
Controlling drugs and substance abuse is therefore an important societal responsibility.
Various strategies are used globally to curb drugs and substance abuse.
In the UK and US, programmes such as Drug and Substance Abuse Resistant Education (DARE)
are some of the strategies used to prevent drug and substance abuse (DARE UK, 2010; DARE
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US, 2010). DARE programme instructors were local police officers who had undergone special
training in areas such as child development, classroom management, teaching techniques and
communication skills. DARE taught hundreds of youngsters how to avoid the dangers of illegal
drugs, violence, antisocial behavior, bullying and peer pressure. The programmes provided
children with knowledge, skills, and an opportunity to develop attitudes, which could help them
make informed decisions, and lead safe and healthy lives.
Puljevic and Learmonth (2014) conducted a study on substance abuse prevention in Cape Town's
peril-urban settlements. The findings revealed that South Africa had one of the highest levels of
alcohol consumption in the world. The findings further revealed that peer education and
involving parents and the community were effective ways of controlling alcohol, drug and
substance abuse.
Prevention programs
The current study thus will borrow a leaf from DARE by focusing only strategies of reducing
drugs and substance abuse.
However, unlike DARE programmes, it will be conducted in Kenya and will involve students in
secondary schools.
Summary
The literature review was organized as per the objectives of the study. The themes covered were
factors contributing to drugs and substance abuse, types and strategies used to curb of substances
abuse. The review also examined prevention programs that will be carried out.
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CHAPTER THREE
Introduction
This Chapter presents the research methodology, which was employed to conduct the study. It
examines the research design and location of the study.
Research design
This study will adopt the descriptive survey research design. The design is primarily concerned
with describing, rather than explaining a particular phenomenon. The design is ideal for
gathering in-depth information, which may be quantitative or qualitative in nature. This leads to
a multifaceted approach to data collection and analysis.
The research design is chosen because it enables the study of a large population using data from
a sample without treatment or manipulation of variables. It also requires less funds and time
when compared to case studies.
Location of the study
This study will be conducted and in Nairobi County, which is one of the 47 counties of Kenya. It
borders three counties namely Kiambu to the North and West, Machakos to the east and Kajiado
to the south. Nairobi has a total of 17 sub counties.
The study area was selected because it has a reasonable are number of secondary schools. The
selection was also based on a steady increase in reported cases on drugs and substance abuse in
secondary schools.