Effects of drugs and substance abuse on learning in public secondary schools in Starehe division of Nairobi province

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.