Determinants of drug abuse among ordinary level secondary school pupils: a case of selected schools in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania
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Date
2010
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study investigated the current situation of drug abuse with specific reference to ordinary level secondary schools. Specifically, the study examined the major factors that have occasioned the situation over time, at home and non-home, school and non-school, social and personal levels. The study relied on multiple sources of information. Primary data was obtained from the field in Ilala, Temeke and Kinondoni Districts in Dar Es Salaam region, Tanzania. Purposive sampling was employed to select one school from each district, also 21 teachers and 11 parents whose ages ranged from 25 and above. Secondary data was collected from various literature. Population sample from students comprises 132 students, 44 from each school whose ages ranged from 13 to 24 years. Non-probability sampling was used in order to determine the sample size and sampling methods. Random sampling was applied to get the three streams from each school involved in the study. The study revealed that there was common drugs abuse by pupils at school or out of school and all respondents had knowledge of different forms of drug abuse and knew the consequent behaviours; but may be involved in drug abuse due to peer pressure, curiosity, wanting to be different, getting rid of unwanted pregnancy as a depressant, as a stimulant, revolting against the system and/or as an escape from certain situations. It also revealed that globalization has resulted to increased poverty associated with early school failure, unemployment, long-term welfare dependency, violent crimes, and feeling of hopelessness and despair, all of which may lead the youth to engage in drug abuse. It is then recommended that, parents, teachers and the government should provide drug education as well as guidance and counseling services to drug abusers and to school pupils.
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Keywords
Drug abuse, Secondary school pupils, Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania
Citation
Athman, S (2010) Determinants of drug abuse among ordinary level secondary school pupils: a case of selected schools in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania. Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Available at http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/detail.aspx