Knowledge and attitude towards effects of drug abuse among secondary school students in Tanzania: the case of Temeke District

This study investigated knowledge and attitudes towards effects of drug abuse among secondary school students in Tanzania particularly in Temeke District. Specifically, it aimed, first, to determine knowledge level on effects of drug abuse among secondary school students. Second, to assess attitude towards effects of drug abuse among secondary school students. Third, to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitude towards effects of drug abuse among secondary school students and the success of measures used to control drug abuse including its effects in secondary schools. The study was guided by Feldman’s (1997) ABC model of attitude. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research approaches and applied descriptive survey strategy. The sample consisted of a total of 252 participants in categories of heads of schools and discipline masters/mistresses (teachers), parents and students from central government schools, community schools including private schools. Participants were obtained through purposive sampling, stratified random sampling, simple random sampling and convenient sampling procedures, while data were obtained through questionnaires, focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and documentary review. This study revealed that secondary school students had reasonable knowledge about effects of drug abuse. Majority of students held negative attitude towards drug abuse and its effects that emanated from their practical knowledge of effects on drug abuse. Also the results revealed that several students like drugs and their effects due to lack of enough knowledge of their effects and ineffective measures used to control drug abuse in secondary schools. The study recommends that ministries concerned with education, health and community development should establish effective measures to curb the problem of drug abuse to students. They should introduce preventive life skills in the secondary education curriculum in order to increase government enforcement of legislations to curb drug abuse. Finally, further studies are recommended on a wider setting for greater understanding, generalization and policy making implication.