A baseline survey on effects of drug and substance abuse on academic participation among students in technical institutions in Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish the general trend of drug and substance abuse among students in technical institutions and effects on academic participation. Main findings showed that drug and substance abuse among students is widespread. Both female and male students abuse drugs and substances. Commonly abused drugs were alcohol (47.34%), tobacco (in form of cigarettes, 18.84%), and bhang/khat (4.83%),students consume alcohol and other drugs mainly from the beginning of the term to the period before the final examinations. Causes of drug and substance abuse among students include peer pressure, stress, crave for courage, and poor academic performance. Some of the problems experienced as a result of the vice included riots and strikes, police arrests and warnings: and poor academic performance. The study concludes that peer counsellors and lecturers should be empowered to handle the vice. Academic staff should meaningfully engage the students academically throughout the term to reduce idleness.