The Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Drug Abuse Among Adolescents Aged 12 to 18 in Kisenyi, Kampala Uganda
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Date
2024-06-11
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The study was carried out in Kisenyi, Kampala District. The study aimed at examining the socio-
economic factors influencing drug abuse among the adolescents. The study objectives included:
1. To identify the most common drug abuse cases among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years in
Kisenyi.
2. To find out if there any social factors influencing adolescents’ involvement in drugs abuse
in Kisenyi.
3. To find out if there any economic factors influencing adolescents’ involvement in drug
abuse in Kisenyi.
The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. The target population was local
leaders and youth especially those involved in drug addicts; totaling to 52 respondents. Data was
collected by use of questionnaire, and interview guide. It was analyzed qualitatively and
quantitatively.
Findings show that cigarettes, Khat (mairungi), marijuana, milla and Cocaine being the most
common drugs abused by adolescents in Kisenyi. It was also further noticed that 43.5% of
adolescents started use of drugs when they were between 5-9 years, and they could use drugs 2-
5 times a day. The study also revealed that encouragement from friends (peer group influence),
motivated by parents, involved in selling and distributing drugs, lack of streamlined rules at home,
and open drug market in Kisenyi; these are the major social factors influencing adolescents’
involvement in drug abuse in Kisenyi, Kampala district. The study finally revealed that
employment status, low income level, and family economic status; these are the major economic
factors influencing adolescents’ involvement in drug abuse in Kisenyi.
Basing on the above study findings, it is concluded that there are various socio-economic factors
influencing drug abuse among the adolescents in Kisenyi, Kampala district. The recommends that
there is need to enhance the enforcement of the existing legal and institutional frameworks in
drugs. The enforcement officers especially police officers, courts and local leaders need to join
hands to curbing down the youth involvement in use of drugs; and areas of further research were
suggested.