EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE ON THE YOUTH LIVELIHOODS IN NORTHERN DIVISION, MBALE CITY
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Date
2024-09-10
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Drug abuse among the youth is one of the wide spread problem of modern time with substances
consumed clandestinely forcing youth to neglect their livelihoods. Even no attention by both
policy and academia has been given to the unlimited effort by youth to stop drug abuse and
effectively participate in livelihood productivity. This study was aimed at determining the effect
of drug abuse on youth livelihoods. The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of drug
abuse on youth’s livelihoods in Eastern division in Mbale city. The study was guided by three
specific objectives namely: To examine the physical health implications of drugs on the youth’s
livelihoods in Eastern Division of Mbale City, to investigate the mental health effects associated
with drugs on the youths livelihoods in Eastern Division of Mbale City and to analyze the health
risks resulting from drugs to the youths in Eastern Division of Mbale city. Data was collected
from 80 respondents in Eastern Division of Mbale City who included opinion leaders, child
welfare officers and parents. Data was collected using surveys and interviews. Study participants
were identified using probability and non-probability sampling. The study employed a mixed
research approach using descriptive study and case study designs and data processing was done
through editing of the data which will be coded for further data analysis. Data from
questionnaires was analyzed using both descriptive statistics while interview data was analyzed
using frequency analysis by counting the number of times of responses had by the respondents.
Findings showed that drug abuse results into livelihood neglect by youth and eating and sleeping
disorders. Drug abuse leads to psychological distress among youth and also drug abuse creates
grief among family members particularly youths. Creates physical body weakness of youths.
Other findings show that drug abuse affect reasoning and decision making and this lowers youth
involvement in livelihoods and cognitive problems reduces effective participation in youth
livelihoods. Drug abuse leads to mental problems which reduce involvement in youth livelihoods
it may lead to leads to youth suicide which results into failure of livelihoods. Drug abuse leads to
alcohol and other drug use which lowers youth involvement in livelihoods. Further, the study
found that Results into emotional anger among youth negatively affect their livelihoods and drug
abuse creates worry among youth and tis lower their involvement in youth livelihood. Drug
abuse results into emotional stress among youth and this affects their livelihoods and also creates
fear and emotional distress among youth and this slows livelihood productivity. The study
recommended strengthening the capacity of local council in fighting drug and substance abuse,
increasing funding of these programmes in lower administrative units and also mobilizing
communities and stakeholders to step forward in support youth livelihoods.