Drug Abuse and Academic Performance among Secondary School Students in Yaqshid District, Somalia
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Date
2024
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Abstract
This study examined the effects of drug abuse on academic performance among secondary school students in Yaqshid District, Somalia. This study attempted to achieve the following objectives: to determine the effects of Khat (Mira) use on the academic performance of secondary school students in Yaqshid District; to assess the effects of tobacco use on the academic performance of secondary school students in Yaqshid District, and to examine the effects of marijuana use on academic performance of secondary school students in Yaqshid District, Somalia. The study was based on three theories that are the Theory of Planned Behavior, Modified Social Stress Model and the Social Learning Theory. This study applied embedded mixed design which involves the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, with one form of data playing a supportive role to the other and it allowed the use of various data collection methods such as observation, questionnaires, guided interview and documentation which were used in collecting the data of this study. The target population for this study was 790 respondents from this is where a sample size of 314 respondents was determined by the Slovene’s formula and this study was respondents. Data analysis was divided into two main sections: quantitative and qualitative. The study findings shows that drug abuse accounted for 61.2% of Students’ academic performance in Yaqshid district and this was indicated by adjusted r squared of 0.612, this implies that drug abuse significantly affect the Students’ academic performance in Yaqshid district, and this is indicated by the F-value = 5.168, and Sig= 0.001. The coefficients table indicated that of all the aspects of drug abuse , Tobacco accounted for the biggest influence of Students’ academic performance in Yaqshid district (β=0.513, Sig=0. 001). The study concluded that among secondary school students in Somalia drug abuse is quite rampant both in the types, quantity and the frequency of use. The drugs and substances mostly abused were identified as Khat. The study further identified the factors which increase the cases of drug abuse among the students as drug and substance abuse history in the family, peer pressure, frustration at home and too much pocket money. Further, it was found out that drug and substance abuse among the students adversely affect their academic and social development. Finally, the study found that several interventions to curb drug and substance abuse at the school level have been adopted in most schools. From the findings and conclusions made the study recommended that all schools should set up guidance and counselling offices facilitated by professionals to counsel students who indulge in drug abuse. This will help take care of the students with emotional needs that they wish to share in confidence but lack the platform to do so and in return end up turning to drug abuse. Principals also should invite specialists often to talk to students on dangers of drug abuse.