Contributing Factors to Drug Abuse among Girls in Secondary Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Poor academic performances among girls have over the years been attributed to socio-economic factors. However other factors such as drug abuse have emerged over the last few years. Like in the majority of other regions in Kenya, the academic performance of girls in Nakuru County has been lower compared to those of boys. This study therefore sought to establish contributing factors to drug abuse, establish the sources of drugs abused, and to find out types of drugs commonly abused by girls. The study was based on a descriptive survey design. The target population for this study was 5,188 girls from form three in Nakuru County, 74 deputy Principals, 74 guidance and counseling teachers, 74 Parents association (P.A) representatives in girls' secondary schools.  Purposive sampling was used to select only students in form three. A sample size of 371 student's respondents was selected using the Slovin's formula. Proportionate sampling was used to select 44 secondary schools, hence 44 deputy principals, 44 guidance and counseling teachers and 44 P.A representatives. Questionnaires was used to collect data from students, P.A representatives and guidance and counseling teachers, focus discussion group was also used to collect data from students while interview schedule was used to collect data from deputy principals. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed thematically in line with the study variables and objectives. From the findings too much pocket money, media influence, and poor relationship between parents and their daughters were found to be key contributing factors. The study recommended that parents and older community members should not abuse drugs in the presence of their children, government should ensure programs in the media do not promote drug abuse amongst youngsters, government should ensure all schools have qualified guidance and counseling teachers