RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MISUSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS RISK AWARENESS AND PSYCHOSOCIAL WELLNESS OF STUDENTS IN GOVERNMENT-FUNDED HIGH SCHOOLS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Escalating misuse regarding medications prescribed by a doctor globally, including in Kenya's secondary schools, raises concerns about adolescents' psychosocial wellbeing. This study aimed to explore the link between prescription drug misuse risk awareness and students' psychosocial wellness in Nairobi County's governmentfunded high schools. It delved into several objectives: assessing the impact of awareness on addictive, physical dependence, toxicity, morbidity, and behavioral risks on psychosocial wellness. The research was grounded in conceptions of situated rationality and social action theories, adopting a correlational design. Information was gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. The study employed proportionate stratified sampling to allocate samples among students, teachers, school heads, along with MOE officers. Information was obtained using the various categories of respondents for triangulation purposes. Simple random sampling was then used to select participants within each category. The sample size for each category in the study was determined using Neyman‘s at a 10% level of precision. The sample included 255 respondents: 96 educators, 42 heads of schools, and 17 of the Ministry of Education officers. A pilot study involving 10% of the intended sample size, including 10 school-teachers, 10 learners, and 2 MOE officers from Nairobi County, assessed and validated research instruments. Insights from the pilot study enhanced instrument clarity, addressed ambiguities, and improved data collection procedures for the main study. Cronbach's alpha reliability tests demonstrated high internal consistency (0.77 to 0.91) for the research items. Response rates were satisfactory: 100% for students, 80.2% for teachers, 81% for principals, and 64.7% for MOE officials. Descriptive analysis, aided SPSS software, highlighted quantitative data through frequencies, percentages, and means. Inferential analysis involved Pearson correlation and multiple regression at 0.05 level of significance. Qualitative data underwent thematic and content analysis. Results unveiled prevalent prescription drug misuse among students, endangering not just their well-being but also the nation's future. Strong correlations were found between risk awareness factors and psychosocial wellness. Specifically, awareness of addictive risk (r=0.428, p<0.05), physical dependence risk (r=0.528, p<0.05), toxicity risk (r=0.544, p<0.05), morbidity risk (r=0.468, p<0.05), and behavioral risk (r=0.473, p<0.05) significantly influenced students' well-being. This research thus revealed a strong correlation between awareness of various prescription drug risks and students' psychosocial wellbeing. Several, recommendations emerged from the findings. Firstly, boosting students' knowledge about addiction risks was advised through educational campaigns. Secondly, the Ministry of Education was urged to craft a comprehensive policy focusing on awareness among students, educators, and parents. Addressing physical dependence risks necessitated school and community sensitization. Regulatory authorities were prompted to enhance drug risk labeling. The importance of responsible use concerning morbidity risk was underscored. Collaboration between schools and government agencies to raise awareness of behavioral risks through counseling interventions and enforcement of disciplinary policies was the final recommendation. Addressing prescription drug misuse is pivotal not only for the individual students but also for the holistic health and future of the nation.