Despite increased attention to drug demand reduction in recent years, drug use continues to take a devastating toll. Globally, approximately 210 million people use illicit drugs each year, resulting in almost 200,000 deaths (UNODC, World Drug Report 2011). There remains a significant unmet need for drug use prevention, treatment, care, and support, particularly in developing countries.
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The epidemiological transition from communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases, such as drug and substance use, is a public health concern due to high morbidity and mortality rates associated with it.
William Mabuga, a graduate of Uganda Christian University (UCU) with a Master of Public Health, conducted research to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of secondary school-going adolescents on drug and substance use. The study aimed to provide information to policymakers, program managers, and the District Health Team to control drug and substance use in Kabwohe-Itendero Town Council (KITC), Sheema District.
While studies have been conducted globally, regionally, and nationally, as well as in other districts in Uganda, particularly Kampala, “there is a gap in research on this topic in South Western Uganda,” notes Mabuga in his study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of secondary school adolescents in Sheema District on drug and substance use as a case study for South Western Uganda, where it is reported to be a significant problem (Uganda Police Crime Report, 2011; Uganda Demographic and Health Survey report, Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2007).
Mabuga’s research employed a cross-sectional study design, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The total sample size was 132 adolescents from seven secondary schools in KITC. The number of respondents drawn from each school and class was determined by proportion to size. Quantitative data was collected through pre-tested self-administered questionnaires, while qualitative data was collected using pre-tested FGD guides and In-depth Interview guides.
Research Findings:
– Males constituted 67.4% (89/132) of all respondents, with 66.7% (88/132) from rural areas.
– Half of the respondents had inadequate knowledge about drug and substance use.
– Half of the respondents strongly disapproved of drug and substance use, while the other half either only disapproved or did not disapprove of use.
– 36.4% (48/132) of respondents had ever used any of the drugs/substances of concern, including alcohol, tobacco, khat, cannabis, volatile solvents, and unprescribed medicines.
The study found that secondary school adolescents in Kabwohe had inadequate knowledge about drug and substance use, with mixed attitudes and risky behaviors towards use, and 36.4% had ever used drugs/substances of concern.
Mabuga’s Dissertation
Compiled by: Irene Best Nyapendi
Edited by: Jimmy Siyasa
