Assessing The Effects Of Drugs And Substance Abuse On Academic Performance Among University Undergraduate Students In Kenya. A Case Study Of Maasai Mara University

Abstract

ABSTRACT Drug abuse is becoming an increase problem in Kenya currently and the most affected group are the youths. A number of studies which have been carried out in the Country shows that youths are increasingly being exposed to a popular youth culture and mass media messages that glorify and are tolerant towards the use of certain illicit drugs. People abuse drugs due to the following reasons in order to cope, due to influence, and in order to overcome stress. The current global increase in the use of illicit drugs may be related to changes in the society, including family and community cohesiveness, increased unemployment and greater feeling of alienation. And many social, economic, and political factors contribute to the global spread of drugs. The main aim of the study was to assess the effects of drugs and substance abuse on academic performance among University Undergraduate students in Kenya. The approach adopted for the research project was a cross-sectional research design. The students who participated in study were selected using simple random sampling because this method of sampling is easy to use. The respondents were then selected using convenience sampling where those given the questionnaires were those that were present at that particular time within the university. The study used tables, pie charts and graphs in representing the findings from the study. The key findings from the study were that drugs abuse is common among the students, both boys and girls have abused drugs and currently the number of girls abusing drugs are increasing when compared to the past studies which have been carried. A variety of drugs were reported and alcohol, tobacco bhang and miraa were the most reported, cocaine and heroin were also reported and the rate at which these drugs are abused are at a small ratio when compare to the other drugs. But when compared to the usage reported in the past studies it shows that the abuse of heroin and cocaine have increased and they are increasing each and every, this is a treat to our country since the youths are the ones abusing these drugs. A variety of factors contributing to drug abuse were mentioned and peer influence, for better performance and more pocket money were the main reasons reported. The effects of drugs and substance abuse on academic performance were then reported and dropping out of school, poor performance, low grades and cognitive impairment were among the effects mentioned. The measures for curbing drugs and substance abuse are also recommended.