An investigation into the effects of drug abuse on students learning behavior in secondary school in Ikolomani Division Kakamega District

Abstract

Drug abuse the world over is increasingly becoming a global problem which threatens to tear the social fabric of the society. The drug abuse menace has affected the youth particularly in Africa. The effects of drug abuse have been felt in many learning institutions the world over. The study is aimed at investigating the effects of drug abuse on students' learning behavior in Ikolomani division of Kakamega District. In order to carry out this study research objectives and subsequent research questions were developed. The major objectives of the study were to find out the effects of drug abuse on students' learning behavior. Literature related to the study was reviewed and a research methodology was selected. The ex-post facto design of study was used to carry out the research and a target population of 143 teachers and 244 students was randomly selected from the population. Questionnaires were developed and administered to the respondents after validation. The major findings of the study were that drug abuse negatively affected students learninq behavior through lack of concentration in class, poor condition, absenteeism both from class and from school, rudeness to teachers and low self esteem which leads to poor performance. The study found that the sources of drugs in schools were fellow students, outsiders, school Workers and friends. It was found that both teachers and students were aware that there was high availability of drugs in school. However, the school administration has employed concerted efforts to curb the menace. It was found that the most commonly abused drugs in school included cigarettes, alcohol, opium and kuber. The factors which influence drug abuse among students were found to be peer pressure, broken families, frustration and boredom among the students. One outstanding factor that was found to influence drug abuse among students was the large amount of pocket money given to students by parents, guardians and others The study found out that abuse of drugs among students attect their learning behavior. The effects are depicted through poor performance in internal and external examinations. The study also concludes that the effects of drugs among students manifest themselves in form of observable behaviors. These include student's rudeness to teachers, aggressive behavior, absenteeism, lateness, striking and disorganization. The study concludes that the major cause of drug abuse among students is peer pressure. However other causes of drug abuse include too much money given to students by parents as pocket money.. loss of parents therefore exposing the students to influence from other people ,boredom, too much work and availability of drugs within the vicinity of the schools, the community surrounding the school, the school canteen ,visitors and surrounding bushes and forests. From the findings of the study, the following recommendations have been suggested. The study recommends that school authorities should lay down mechanisms to reduce drug abuse among students in school. These mechanisms include vetting all visitors to the school, severe punishment to drug abusers with a view of transforming them into better students. Ultimately, the schools should build internal capacity in guidance and counseling and institutionalize guidance and counseling in the school. In addition, the schools should outsource specialists in guidance an'a counseling to supplement the efforts of teachers. Teachers should be role models to students by adhering to their code of ethics. The study recommends a broad based approach high on Christian and other religious doctrines to stamp out drug abuse among students. It also suggests that parents should be advised against providing 100 much pocket money to students. Proper engagement of students in school is recommended in order to have them occupied in both academic and cocurricula activities. These could be in form of religious organization and other activities such as clubs, educational tours and trips. Recommended also is the introduction of specialized education on drugs in school programs to expose them to the negative effects o.f druqs . In general, the study recommends that the above mechanisms be put in place in order to reduce prevalence of drugs in schools. A collaborative approach to this issue should be taken involving all the stakeholders in addressing the drug abuse menace.