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EFFECTS OF DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

AMONG THE YOUTH IN BANGLADESH VILLAGE, CHANGAMWE

CONSTITUENCY, MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA.

This report was done and presented by

Martin Otundo Richard: +254721246744; Email: martinotundo@gmail.com

(PhD Student in Project Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of

Agriculture and Technology)

A RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED By Martin Otundo Richard On

Academia.Edu As A Sample Research Report For Universities And Other Institutions Of

Higher Learning, Aimed At Guiding Younger And Old Researchers In 21st Century

Project Reports Development

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Drug and substance abuse in the world in this 21st century is a worse disaster than HIV/Aids,

cancer and famine combined (Kaguthi, 2004 cited by Murimi, 2012). In today’s society more

and more adolescents are experimenting with using drugs regularly (Pretoria, 2000 cited by

Murimi, 2012). This has amplified with globalization, changes in communication technology,

changes in living styles and climate change. The worst still is when the menace has not only been

pronounced in the urban settings as it was in the 18th to early 20th century but has been

implanted in the rural settings too. In this note, drug and substance abuse is a problem that has

raised concern all over the world.

According to EMCDDA (2014), main drugs abused in the world today range from the socially

accepted like alcohol, tobacco, Miraa and caffeine to the outlawed ones such as heroin, cocaine

and cannabis sativa (bhang). The long intake of these drugs leads to drug addiction. Drug

addiction is a disease that impairs the structure and function of the brain. Botvin (2000) cited in

International Labour Organization (2013), attributed the drug abuse among youth to the feelings

elicited by the drugs, influence from friends and kins, experimentations, medicinal use and

stressful lives.

Drugs abused affect people at all levels of development, they are also introduced at very early

age of between 10-14 years (Kyalo, 2010). Research shows that psychotropic drugs are

introduced to 37 per cent of people aged between 10 and 14 years and nearly 75 per cent of those

aged below 19 years across the world, thus spreding the unpronounced negative effects to

development since these ages consist of young people who could otherwise change the look of

nations (Kaguthi, 2004 cited by Barasa, 2013).

Globally, USA is one country that is greatly affected by the drugs and substance abuse.

Although, this is worst in Caribbean countries of Mexico and Brazil, Arab countries of Iran and

Afghanistan, and the larger world colony called United Kingdom that has a higher amount of

people addicted to alcohol compared to Russia besides having a high number of drug buyers and

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users compared to the United States and many others in the world (Roy, 2015). A study by Roy

(2015) continue to show that in the USA as a whole, hard drugs like cocaine get into the country

from Mexico and Peru and later on spread easily through a well-established networks like the

communication media and modern security trickery technology. The effects of these drugs

ranges from sudden deaths, terminal diseases like cancer, risky sexual behaviors leading to teen

pregnancy and school dropouts, dependency that leads to crimes like prostitution and robbery

among many others (Roy, 2015).

Similar studies by Napa Valley Rehab (2015) shows that, other superpower countries like China

are also affected by drugs in their young population. The report indicates that, among 10 youths

aged between 14 and 30 years, five of them abuse two major categories of drugs i.e. alcohol and

cocaine. In this study, the organisation has given a number of effects related to the abuse of these

drugs by these troubled youths. Included are the long term effects of alcohol include that include:

Liver failure, Brain damage, Sexual dysfunction, Fetal alcohol syndrome and other birth defects

during pregnancy, Stomach ulcers, Malnutrition, Weight gain, Risk of cancer in the mouth and

throat, High blood pressure, Increased risk for stroke and heart-related diseases, Tolerance and

physical dependence and Addiction. This costs the country very much, both economically and

socially. On the other hand, long term effects of cocaine include: Permanent damage to blood

vessels in the heart and lungs, Heart attacks due to high blood pressure and constricted arteries,

Liver damage, Kidney damage, Lung damage, Stomach ulcers, Strokes from high blood

pressure, Destruction of nasal tissues if cocaine is snorted, Infection (hepatitis, HIV) and

abscesses if cocaine is injected, prostitution, school dropout, unproductivity at work and many

more (Donna, 2011).

Continentally, drugs and substances abuse is not a new idea and their effects are deep rooted in

the African communities and this has been widening day after day. According to the African

Union Ministerial Conference on Drug Control in Africa report (2014), at least 16 countries in

Africa have reported abuse of opiates, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.01 to 0.8 percent for

the population aged 15 and above. Twelve countries reported cocaine abuse with prevalence

ranging from 0.01 to 1.5 percent for this age bracket. Concurrently, the age of those initiated to

drug use is diminishing with large numbers of in-school and out-of-school youth consuming

drugs. This phenomenon is even more acute in conflict and post conflict countries, with

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populations experiencing high stress levels while child soldiers are provided with drugs to enable

them to fight. In fact, the report continues to show that Africa’s role in the global drugs supply

chain is increasing. Already the continent is the second largest region for cannabis production,

trafficking and consumption, accounting for 26 percent of global seizures of this drug in 2014.

By country, the largest hauls in this period were in Nigeria, and the Republic of South Africa,

while Morocco is said to be one of the main producers of Cannabis resin.

According to World Health Organization (2013), the effects of drugs and substances abuse in

Nigeria for example range from formation of criminal gangs, drop out of schools, involvement in

social evils like prostitution and same sex marriages, lawlessness and many more. Nathaniel

(2014) argues that, the various consequences of the drug abuse or drug addictions are so

devastating and very shameful to the extend that both the national and international organizations

all over the world are also worried about the spread of this scourge among Nigeria youths, they

are as follows:- Social violence among youths, armed robbery, mental disorder, 419, syndrome,

social miscreants (area boys and girls), lawlessness among youth, lack of respect for elders, rape,

many more of the social evil.

In Tanzania, the problem has speeded at large percent whereby the youths like students from

secondary schools have been noted to be taking drug and abusing substances. The study on the

same provide evidence that, heavy drinking and drug consumption lead to a lower schooling

among the youths and the academic performance declines besides increased rates of school

dropout. For example, In Baloha in Kahama town in Tanzania, the issue of effects of drug abuse

persists among adolescents today who abuse drugs often since they do poorly academically and

drop out of school. They also risk falling into unplanned pregnancies, violence and infectious

diseases like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis (Makoye, 2015).

In Kenya, reports of young peoples’ lives ruined by alcohol and drugs are rampant. The youth,

especially, are vulnerable to the vice owing to peer pressure, media influence, poor guidance and

role modelling (Kikuvi, 2009 cited by Murimi, 2012). This has taken root in schools leading to

the high school drop outs and idleness, in communities leading to laziness, non-productivity,

decrease in sexual performance, engaging in dangerous activities like prostitution, criminal

gangs among other. According to Amayo and Wangai (1994), Kyalo (2010) and many more

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scholars, drug consumption has led to unrest and widespread destruction of life and property in

schools, homes and institutions of social importance.

Worrying studies in 2011 to 2014 showed that, Kenya was ranked among the top four African

Nations notorious for consumption of narcotics by the United Nations International Drug Control

Programme (World report, 2014). The Kenyan airport of Mombasa has been identified in the

report as the major transit point for drug trafficking in Africa. According to a National survey on

the magnitude of alcohol and drug abuse conducted by National Campaign Against Drug Abuse

(NACADA) (2012), the abuse of alcohol in the country is worrying. The facts and figures from

this report indicate that 13 per cent of teenagers in the 10 to 11 years age bracket have used an

intoxicating substance mostly alcohol followed by cigarettes. In the 15 to 24 year bracket, a

worrying 11.7 per cent are currently hooked in to alcohol, while 6.2 per cent are regular users of

Tobacco products, of this group, 4.7 per cent chew miraa (khat) while 1.5 per cent smokes

bhang. Regrettably this age bracket constitutes youths in Kenya some of whom are students in

either secondary schools or higher institutions of learning; depriving the country its energetic

population that could otherwise be producing the best of the economy’s good and services.

Digging deeper into the worst state of events, the sad reality presented by the figures and facts in

NACADA’S 2012 survey on drugs that is 14.8 per cent of the respondents aged between10 to 14

years old are completely oblivious of the risks associated with substance abuse. These statistics

underline the need to educate our young people on dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. The

initiation into substance abuse in the early stages of life of the adolescents is positively

associated to increased risk of early school dropout and an involvement in deviant adolescent

behaviours and behavioural problems into adulthood (Abot, 2005).

If left unaddressed, escalating rate of drug and substance abuse puts the country at a risk of

losing generations as well as underdevelopment owing to the diversion of resources to address

among others; basic needs for uneducated and unskilled youth, dependant young adults,

increased health care needs among the youth abusing alcohol and drugs, the cost of policing will

also be high due to crimes resulting from idleness and youth drinking habits, all those

compounded will go a long way in frustrating the attainment of the Sustainable development

Goals and the vision 2030 which envisages making Kenya industrial and mid-level income

country ( WHO, 2015).

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Studies in mombasa have linked a lot of Tycoons and big families to drugs supply and

trafficking. The use of drugs among the youths is the order of the day with worst areas being the

slums of Likoni, Kisumu Ndogo, Likoni, Kisauni, Changamwe’s Uhuru Owinyo slum and

Bangladesh slum. Youth abuse up to 45% of cheap drugs like Miraa/Mogoka, tobacco,

counterfeit alcohol, bhang, cocaine and many more; leading to a number of effects both socially

and economically (NACADA, 2015). In Changamwe’s Bangladesh area for example, NACADA

(2014a) notes that alcohol and drug abuse is linked to poverty because family resources and

earnings are spent on drugs. There is also decreased efficiency hence low wages and loss of

employment among other problems. Other socio-economic effects of drugs include: drug

induced accidents and violence; child abuse; fear, depression and anxiety hence low

productivity; and increased medical bill.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Drug and substance abuse is a worldwide phenomenon, and this occurs in almost every country,

be it developed or less developed. The specific drug or drugs used varies from country to

country, income level to another and from region to region (WHO, 2013). The report by

NACADA (2014b) shows that, worldwide, the three main drugs of use are cannabis (such as

marijuana), opiates (such as heroin), and cocaine. Although individual countries have their own

drug laws, in general, drug possession, sale, and use are illegal. Unfortunately, laws are not

always equally enforced in countries around the world and worst even from county to county as

it is in the case with Kenya counties whereby orders are taken differently.

Drug abuse [especially among the youth and young adults in Kenya and more specifically

Mombasa County] is responsible for lost wages, destruction of property in schools and social

areas or community levels, soaring health care costs and broken families. It is a problem which

affects us all as parents, children, teachers, government officials, taxpayers and workers. Despite

eradication efforts by various agencies like NGOs, CBOs, FBOs and government agencies in

Kenya, the country still remains a major supplier/port of dispatch of some drugs such as

cannabis, which is one of the most widely abused drugs (NACADA, 2014c). Worst is seen when

most of the drugs and substances abused get into/out of the country through the Mombasa port;

putting into risk the local population.

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Since the early nineteen eighties, Africa has been experiencing an escalating problem with drug

abuse and trafficking. Although reliable information is scarce, data collected under the Eastern

Africa Drug Information System/Global Assessment Programme (EADIS/GAP), country

mission reports coupled and small-scaled research activities conducted by governments and

nongovernmental organizations all attest to this (Abdool, 2004).

World Drug report (2012) did a study on the effects of illicit drug use among the teenagers in

Kenya’s coast province and devastating figures showed that slums were the most affected areas

by the menace. According to the study, between 3.4 and 6.6 per cent of the adult population

(persons aged 15-64) in coast province were found to be abusing hard drugs like cocaine while

the youths up to the tune of 11.3% admitted of using one or two type of drugs. The report

continue to show that, some 10-13 per cent of drug users continue to be problem users with drug

dependence and/or drug-use disorders, the prevalence of HIV (estimated at approximately 20 per

cent), hepatitis C (46.7 per cent) and hepatitis B (14.6 per cent) among injecting drug users

continues to add to the country’s burden of disease, and, last but not least, approximately 1 in

every 100 deaths among adults is attributed to illicit drug use. With estimated annual prevalence

ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 per cent of the population aged 15-64, the use of opioids (mainly heroin,

morphine and non-medical use of prescription opioids) is stable in all of the main markets.

According to a national survey on the Rapid Situation Assessment of Drug and Substance Abuse

in Kenya’s slums (Bangladesh included) (2012), 11.7% of youth aged 15-24 are current users of

alcohol, 6.2% tobacco, 4.7% miraa, 7.1% grade two miraa (Mogoka) and 1.5% cannabis. In

addition, the median age of initiation among the 10-14 year olds to tobacco and alcohol is 10

years. These statistics are an indication of the grave situation faced by children and the youth

who are already burdened by other socio-economic challenges such as unemployment. From the

findings above, it can be said that young Kenyans have been and are being socialized into drugs

and worst is being experienced in the slums like Bangladesh. It is in this background that this

study sought to find out the effects of drug and substance abuse on youth development among

the youth in Bangladesh village, Changamwe constituency, Mombasa County, Kenya.

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1.3 Purpose of the study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of drug and substance abuse on youth

development in Bangladesh village, Changamwe Constituency, Mombasa County, Kenya.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The Study was guided by the following objectives:

i. To examine the extent to which drug and substance abuse influences level of education

among the youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe Constituency.

ii. To find out the extent to which drug and substance abuse influences economic

productivity among the youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe Constituency.

iii. To examine the influence of drug and substance abuse on teenage pregnancies among the

youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe Constituency.

1.5 Research Questions

The study was guided by the following research questions:

i. What is the extent to which drug and substance abuse influences level of education

among the youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe Constituency?

ii. To what extent does drug and substance abuse influences economic productivity among

the youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe Constituency?

iii. What is the influence of drug and substance abuse on teenage pregnancies among the

youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe Constituency?

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1.6 Significance of the Study

First, the proposed study could help the Ministry of Education both at the county level and the

national level to better understand the current situation and accordingly make changes to address

the factors that contribute to substance abuse among the youths in both primary and in secondary

schools and more specifically in the slums. This also can be coupled with strategies of

minimizing the effects of the drug users. Kenya, like many other developing countries, is faced

with the social problem of high rates of substance abuse. To make matters worse, the percentage

of substance abusers in schools increases yearly despite the efforts to eradicate the problem.

Failure to solve this problem not only threatens the life of individuals, but also the economic and

social development of the country as a whole. The current study is useful in contributing to the

general body of knowledge in this area.

Second, bodies like NACADA, NGOs, CBOs, FBOs and many more will be lucky to get

firsthand information from the report on the state of drugs and substances abuse in the

Changamwe slums and this can be generalized across the troubled Kenya’s coast. This way, the

body shall be able to identify and control the drugs menace in the county and help solve the cases

of advance effects among the users who had/have fallen victims of addiction.

Finally, the research is expected to contribute a lot to the body of knowledge in the area of drugs

and substance abuse. Future researchers, learners and scholars will be able to get firsthand

information that shall enrich their knowledge.

1.7 Basic Assumptions of the Study

The research is carried out with the basic assumption that the cases of drugs and substances

abuse in Bangladesh area of Chanagmwe are recorded and the information can be available when

required.

Another assumption is that, the respondents will be willing to give information (including the

most sensitive one) without any bias and subjectivity that could compromise the results.

Finally the research has the assumption that the effects of drugs and substances abuse in the

county is closely tied to the above three objectives.

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1.8 Limitations of the Study

Time could be a limitation facing the study. Time for classroom work, research, that at work, that

for the family and that of linkage between the supervisor and the respondents is a big issue.

Owing to the nature of the researchers’ work, the time of the research and guidance by the

supervisor at the campus will be highly in competition. However the researchers will create

personal time to link the supervisor and the respondents during the research times.

Financial resources are not only a limitation but a factor in the study. Limited resources may

delay the achievements of the study. However the researcher will get family support and by

extension go for extra funding from the bank or any other institution when need arises.

The final limitation is that getting information about drugs and substances abuse in Mombasa is a

bit tricky since most people opt to hide from the menace due to fears and threats from the well-

connected cartels that traffic the drugs.

1.9 Delimitations of the Study

The study delimits itself by concentrating on the effects of drugs and substance abuse in the

performance of youths and the scope of the study shall be limited to the Bangladesh slum of

Changamwe Sub-county, Mombasa County.

The study shall also delimit itself by concentrating its argument on the three major objectives

outlined above.

1.10 Definition of Significant Terms used in the Study

Drug - This is any substance other than food which by its chemical reaction /nature affects

structure or function of a living organism.

Drug abuse - This refers to the use of illegal drugs on the in appropriate use of legal drugs.

Drug addiction- Drug addiction is a condition of being unable to do without the drug.

Drug dependence - This is repeated drug taking that results in the tolerance, withdrawal and

compulsive drug taking when an individual persists in use of alcohol on other drugs despite

problem related to use of the substance.

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Drug misuse - The term used commonly when prescribing medication with sedative anxiolytic

analgesic or a stimulant property are used for mood alternation or intoxication ignoring the fact

those overdose of such Medicines have serious adverse effects.

Youth - The term refers to young and energetic person who are economically productive in a

community.

1.11 Organization of the Study

This research proposal is organized in three chapters. Chapter one is the introduction which

includes the background of the study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, objectives

of the study, research questions, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, objectives of the

study, research questions, research hypothesis, significance of the study, delimitations of the

study, basic assumptions and the definition of significant terms. Chapter two of the study

consists of the literature review with information from other articles which are relevant to the

researcher. Chapter three entails the methodology to be used in the research.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter reviews thematically the relevant literature guided by the research objectives. The

chapter outlines the concept of drugs and substances abuse in Kenya, literature under the various

subtopics as guided by the three objectives and a conceptual framework has been included to

show the relationship between independent and dependent.

2.2 The Concept of Drugs and Substance Abuse in Kenya

Drug and substance abuse is not only a Kenyan problem but a global problem which is affecting

mostly the youth both in school and out of school. This problem impacts negatively on the

academic, social, psychological, economical and physiological development among the abusers

(Agatha, 2016).

Agatha (2016) continues to show that, the menace has strangled the youthful population who are

wasting away their prime lives instead of investing their energy and time to building the nation.

Drug trafficking has hit a crisis level in Kenya and this has seen the deportation of foreigners

suspected to be involved in drug trafficking, with orders from the President.

According to Softkenya (2014) there are various drugs abused by youths in Kenya with the

figures ranging up to 47.1% among youths in major slums in the cities of Mombasa, Kisumu and

Mombasa where Bangladesh falls. According to the study, Drugs and substances abused in

Kenya include: Alcohol, Tobacco, Miraa/ khat, Marijuana, Inhalants and Solvents, Heroin,

Cocaine and Prescription Drugs – including sex enhancement drugs. The list is in one way or the

other changing day to day and this is becoming a worrying trend among the youth in the country.

For example, there are other drugs abused in Kenya that include: Anabolic Steroids and

Contraceptives.

A study by World Health Organization (2012) has shown that the Causes of Drug Abuse in

Kenya include: Peer influence, Low self-esteem, Media influence (TV, magazines, internet),

Rebellion against parents, teachers, religion etc, Curiosity, Lack of knowledge of drugs,Poor role

models , Frustrations from home, school, body changes etc, Inability to achieve goals set thus

feeling like a failure, False ideas and perceptions. e.g. bhang enhances academic performance

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and many more. The abuse of such drugs has led to a number of Consequences. of youth

substance abuse.

A study by Softkenya (2014) called Consequences of youth substance abuse in Mombasa county

has shown that, young people who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of

problems, including academic difficulties, health-related problems (including mental health),

poor peer relationships, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. Additionally, there are

consequences for family members, the community, and the entire society.

This is confirmed by UNDCP (2013) in their study; Effects of Drug Abuse in Kenya’s Major

Slums’ and have favored effects like: Poor memory, Reduced reasoning capacity, Truancy and

poor performance in school, sports and other activities, Poor concentration, Dropping out of

school, Suspension and expulsion from schools ,Risky sexual behavior leading to early

pregnancy & HIV/AIDS, Crimes like theft, violence, rape, incest, bestiality(sex with animals)

leading to legal implications, Poor health, Personal neglect, Withdrawal and isolation from

society, Being shunned by the society, Personal guilt, Poor relations with parents, teachers,

siblings and peers, Physical and psychological addiction, Overdose of drugs can lead to DEATH

and ma more.

2.3 The Influence of Drug and Substance Abuse on Education Performance

In Kenya, reports of young people’s lives destroyed by alcohol and drugs are rampant. The youth

and particularly students are especially vulnerable to the vice owing to peer pressure, media

influence, poor guidance and role modeling (Muchemi, 2013). The problem has taken root in

learning institution leading to the high number of school drop outs and idleness. If the problem is

left unaddressed, the country risks losing generations as well as remaining under-developed

owing to the diversion of resources to address among others basic needs for uneducated and

unskilled youth.

Although it is difficult to authenticate the actual extent and nature of drug and substance abuse

among youth in learning institutions, research indicates that most students, experiment with and

abuse alcohol and other drugs. A report by Chesang (2013) indicates that by the age of 15, 34%

of this age group had used tobacco, 18% cannabis sativa, 32% had abused khat and 5% cocaine;

with the age group at most risk put at between 16 and 18 years. In addition, the Daily Nation

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Newspaper, Tuesday 15 July 2014 (newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com) reported that of the 27

people who died after consuming poison alcohol in Nyeri County, among them were university

and secondary school students, between 15 and 20 years old.

According to national statistics from the Rapid Situation Assessment of Drug and Substance

Abuse in Kenya (NACADA, 2012), 11.7% of young people aged 15-24 are current users of

alcohol, 6.2% use tobacco, 4.7% khat while 1.5% are users of cannabis. In addition, the median

age of initiation to tobacco products is 10 years while the minimum is 8 years. Alarmingly, the

median age for alcohol is 10 years and the minimum 4 years. The above statistics are an

indication of the grave situation faced by children and the youth in Kenya who are already

burdened by other socio-economic challenges. In addition, students were found to be abusing

imported illegal substances such as heroin, cocaine and mandrax. However, it was noted that of

the school youth who engaged extensively in drug and substance abuse, most of the cases took

place in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning. These findings show that drug and

substance abuse is a reality among Kenyan youth; and there is need for the development and

implementation of intervention strategies to curb the problem especially among students since

the dropouts and malingering from schools has been born by the above.

Reports on the impact of substances abuse on academic activities in almost 23 schools in the

slums of Mombasa, Kisumu and Nairobi indicate that it interferes with physiological,

psychological and emotional functioning. Among the problems recorded in the students who

participated in the study are impaired memory and other intellectual faculties, and tracking

inability in sensory and perceptual functions (Word Drug Report, 2014). Further, the habit

creates preoccupation with acquiring the substances, adverse psycho-pathetic complications and

social development. This may lead to truancy, lack of concentration on studies among others

(Word Drug Report, 2014)).

Reduced cognitive efficiency leads to poor academic performance and thus resulting in

decreased self-esteem. This contributes to instability in an individuals’ sense of identity, which

in turn, is likely to contribute to further substance abuse, thus creating a vicious circle (Hawkins,

Catalano & Miller, 1992; Eisenstein, 2005; Word Drug Report, 2014)). Other studies have

expounded that it is not only those who abuse substances that are affected. Students who abstain

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frequently suffer the second hand effects from the behaviour of other students who abuse

psychoactive substances (INCB, 2006 cited in Word Drug Report, 2014)).

While launching the 2nd

national conference on Drug and Substance Abuse: A Call for Action,

organized by NACADA in 2013, to formulate measures to curb drug abuse; the President of

Kenya, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta directed the National Treasury to allocate more resources for

prevention and control of alcohol and drug abuse. In addition, the treasury was advised to seek

innovative ways of securing funding to increase NACADA’s resource base in the fight against

drug and substance abuse in the country, particularly among the young people both in and out of

learning institutions (Standard Newspaper, June, 2014).

According to Kevin et al. (2014), results of both studies in the rural and urban slums where

drugs are abused in Kenya underscore the importance of clarifying the mechanisms by which

substance use influences academic outcomes. Research suggests at least two potential

mechanisms. First, substance use itself may impair cognitive development which, in turn,

reduces academic achievement and disrupts academic progression. Recent studies in slums in the

Kenya’s coast have shown that heavy adolescent substance use can lead to problems with

working memory and attention due to changes in adolescent brain activity. In turn, these memory

and attention problems may lead to decreases in academic performance and engagement in

school, and ultimately increase risk for school problems and dropout. However, these findings

have been reported with heavy drinking and drug-using adolescents (similar to the clinical

sample used by Engberg & Morral), and it is unclear whether such effects would emerge at lower

levels of use. Moreover, the magnitude and permanence of these effects are unclear in terms of

whether they extend to impair academic functioning. For example, studies suggest that

withdrawal is an important predictor of the neurocognitive deficits associated with adolescent

drinking, but it is not clear whether prolonged periods of abstinence rectifies these deficits or

whether they are permanent.

Kevin et al (2014) continue to show that alternatively, it could be that drug and alcohol use

during adolescence leads to association with antisocial peer groups, which in turn diminishes

school engagement and increases other behavioral and social problems. Indeed, as Godley and

the current studies support, substance use is related to many school-related outcomes that have a

strong behavioral and social component. That is, outcomes such as school grades, attendance,

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school completion and dropout are influenced not only by intellectual functioning, but also by

motivation, organizational skills and social/behavioral skills. In other words, the effects of

substance use on academic outcomes may have motivational, social and behavioral components

in addition to any effects on cognition and cognitive development. Thus, negative academic

outcomes may be due to both the direct effect of substance use on cognitive skills as well as the

constellation of motivational, social and behavioral risk factors associated with substance use in

adolescence.

Other studies show that, declining grades, absenteeism from school and other activities, and

increased potential for dropping out of school are problems associated with adolescent substance

abuse. Hawkins, Calatano and Miler (1992) had research finding that low level of commitment to

education and higher truancy rates appear to be related to substance use among adolescents.

Again drugs abused effect the brain, this result in major decline in the functions carried out by

the brain (Abot, 2005). Drugs affect the students concentration span, which is drastically reduced

and boredom sets in much faster than for non-drug and substance abusers. The student will lose

interest in school work including extra curriculum activities. Most of the psychoactive drugs

affect the decision making process of the students, creative thinking and the development of the

necessary life and social skills are stunted. They also interfere with the awareness of an

individual’s unique potential and interest thus affecting their career development (Kikuvi, 2009;

Maithya, 2012).

In spite of the measures taken by the government to curb drug abuse, the practice is still

widespread in schools and institutions of higher learning. A report appearing on TV, K24

channel on 13th July, 2014 revealed that a 16 year old male student in a secondary school in

Nyeri County died after a drinking alcohol in a bar; this is not exception of Mombasa County

where cases of deaths have been continuously reported among school students in relation to

drugs. Additionally, another story by the Nation Media team, in the Daily Nation Newspaper

July 15th 2014, indicates that two university students and 4 secondary students were among 21

brew victims who died after consuming adulterated spirits in Eldoret County. As a result, Uasin

Gishu County Commissioner banned the sale of spirits indefinitely. Also in Mombasa County,

Marwa has tried to implement the president’s order of illicit drugs but the response from the

county government is surely cruel and very poor; posing the students to mere risks. This means

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that drug and substance abuse among students in Mombasa has become a serious problem that

affects all the people in the county, and especially students. It is in view of this background that

the current study was carried out.

2.4 The Influence of Drug and Substance Abuse on Economic Productivity

The social and economic costs related to youth substance abuse are high. They result from the

financial losses and distress suffered by alcohol- and drug-related crime victims, increased

burdens for the support of adolescents and young adults who are not able to become self-

supporting, and greater demands for medical and other treatment services for these youth

(Gropper, 1985cited by INCB, 2016).

According to EMCDDA (2014) drug abuse inflicts immeasurable harm on public health and

safety around the world each year, and threatens the peaceful development and smooth

functioning of many societies. An understanding of the economic costs of drug abuse is

necessary to develop policies that reduce such costs. Attempts to calculate the global monetary

burden of drug abuse, however, are mired in data limitations in the many areas that must be

taken into account to arrive at even a rough estimate of the total global cost of drug abuse.

Analysis of the economic consequences of drug abuse must account for expenditure associated

with policy choices and take into consideration any gains and externalities. Although accounting

for the full, real dollar costs of drug abuse worldwide is challenging, analysing its consequences

and understanding the domains it affects helps us to gain a clearer picture of the ways in which

drug abuse affects the world.

First of its impact is on health. According to International Labour Organization (2013), a

person’s health is greatly affected by drug abuse, and this worsens among the youths who rarely

have the power to manage their health. Economically, this manifests itself in prevention and

treatment costs, health-care and hospital costs, increased morbidity and mortality. Depicted in

Costs of drug prevention and treatment, the phenomenon of drug abuse requires societies to

dedicate resources to evidence-based prevention, education and interventions, including

treatment and rehabilitation. Although such activities can be resource-intensive, studies have

shown that for every $1 spent, good prevention programmes can save Governments up to $10 in

18

subsequent costs; and such amount could be directed to development projects like upgrading of

slums in Kenya.

Also, visits to hospitals in connection with drug abuse are costly to society, and this is worse in

Mombasa where the number of such hospitals is limited. Such visits occur as a result of

overdoses, adverse reactions, psychotic episodes and symptoms of infectious diseases that can be

transmitted through, inter alia, injecting drug use, such as hepatitis B and C, HIV/ AIDS,

tuberculosis, and other illnesses related to drug use. Additionally, hospitals often need to treat

victims of drug-related crimes and accidents (NACADA, 2014b).

Another loss that is associated to drugs and has a direct impact on economic development is the

area of deaths associated with the drugs. This affects the youth who could otherwise contribute to

economic development. According to International Labour Organization (2013), globally, it is

estimated that drug-related deaths account for between 0.5 and 1.3 per cent of all-cause mortality

for people aged 15-64 years. It is estimated that there are 211,000 drug-related deaths annually,

with younger people facing a particularly high risk; a population that has the energy that is

otherwise required for economic development. In Europe, the average age of death from drug use

is in the mid-30s. It is important to note that little information regarding drug-related mortality is

available for Asia and Africa. In addition to drug-related mortality, estimates indicate that of the

14 million injecting drug users worldwide, 1.6 million are living with HIV, 7.2 million are living

with hepatitis C, and 1.2 million are living with hepatitis B. A global scientific study estimated

that the burden of disease attributable to drug use was substantial, rising in 2010 relative to 1990.

Out of 43 risk factors, drug use was nineteenth in the ranking of the top global killers (alcohol

was third and tobacco was second). For people aged 15-49 years, drug use was the sixth most

common reason for death (United States Agency for International Development, 2013).

According to World Health Organization (2011), another economic area challenged by substance

abuse in Kenya today is the impact on public safety by the youth. According to the report,

beyond health costs, people under the influence of drugs pose major safety risks and costs to

people around them and the environment. For example, drug-affected driving accidents have

emerged as a major global threat in recent years and the same in worst in Mombasa where the

majority of youths under drugs double as motor bike riders (Bodabodas). Additionally, a greater

awareness of the impacts on the environment of illicit drug cultivation, production and

19

manufacture has emerged. Also, the emergence of illicit drug cultivation and manufacture in

residential areas brings with it concern about reduced quality of life for residents, neighbourhood

decay and property damage resulting from child endangerment, criminal activity and explosions.

A study by Barasa (2013) notes that, a further cost of drug abuse that is often cited is the loss in

productivity that can occur when drug users are under the influence of drugs or are experiencing

the consequences of their drug use (e.g., while in treatment, incarceration or hospital). Studies

have put the costs of lost productivity borne by employers at tens of billions of dollars. This has

also been advocated by costs from labour non-participation. Here, productivity losses are

calculated as work that would be reasonably expected to have been done if not for drug use (a

loss of potential income and output and therefore GDP) as a result of a reduction in the supply or

effectiveness of the workforce. Globally, lost productivity in the United States as a result of

labour non-participation is significant: $120 billion (or 0.9 per cent of GDP) in 2011, amounting

to 62 per cent of all drug-related costs. Similar studies in Australia, Canada and Kenya identified

losses of 0.3 per cent of GDP to 0.4 per cent of GDP. In those three countries, the cost of lost

productivity was estimated to be 8 and 3 times higher than health-related costs due to morbidity,

ambulatory care, physician visits and other related consequences.

In the Kenyan slums, a study touching on Costs from treatment participation, hospitalization,

incarceration and premature mortality of the drug abusers has shown that, while in treatment or

when incarcerated, drug users may be unable to participate in work, education or training, adding

to the economic loss, in addition to the cost of treatment or incarceration. It should be noted that

these productivity costs will be lower if job opportunities are already scarce as a whole. In

Europe in 2010, 56 per cent of patients entering drug treatment programmes were unemployed,

and that percentage has increased over the past ‚five years. A similar trend has been identified in

Kenya. In fact, Drug abuse has slowed economic development in many parts of Mombasa,

helping keep unemployment rates high and economic productivity low even among the users

themselves. In addition, high crime rates discourage foreign investment.

2.5 Drug and Substance Abuse and Teenage Pregnancies among the Youth

Teenage pregnancy is pregnancy in human females under the age of 20. A girl can become

pregnant from sexual intercourse after she has begun to ovulate which can be before her first

20

menstrual period (menarche), but usually occurs after the onset of her periods. In well-nourished

girls, menarche usually takes place around the age of 12 or 13 (Morbidity and Matality weekly

report, 2013). The report continues to show that, teen pregnancy has become a national epidemic,

in part because more and more teenagers who give birth decide to keep and raise their children.

There is a great cost to individuals, families, and society when children have children of their

own.

According to National Institute on drug abuse (2012), the abuse of alcohol and other drugs lead

to acute effect on the body. It alters judgment, vision, coordination and speech and also leads to

risk taking behavior. The youth involved in drug related problems affecting their relation with

family members and friends. They are likely to be involved in fights and these get them into

trouble with the law. Because drugs lead to irresponsible sexual behaviour, girls abusing drugs

are likely to get pregnant. The issue of teen pregnancy has much bad hidden effects than could be

observed on the surface in Kenya’s slums of Kibera, Mukuruini, Kisumu Ndogo and many more

(NACADA, 2015).

According to a study carried out by NACADA (2014c), teens who drink or use drugs in Kenya

today often are more sexually active and less likely to use contraception when they have sex than

teens who take fewer risks. They also tend to have more sexual partners, and often start having

sex at younger ages. This is true due to the fact that, nearly four in ten high school students

report having experimented with marijuana at least once, and over one-third of form fours report

they have used some type of illicit drug. Approximately two-thirds of youths in colleges report

having tried alcohol at least once and one-quarter of all high school students in Mombasa and

Nairobi slums say they drink heavily on occasion. Consequently, teens 15 and older who use

drugs are more likely to be sexually experienced than are those teens who do not use drugs, as 72

percent of teens who use drugs have had sex, compared to 36 percent who have never used

drugs.

Teens who have used marijuana are four times more likely to have been pregnant or to have

gotten someone pregnant than teens who have never used marijuana in the country today

(NACADA, 2015). More than one-third of sexually active teens and young adults age 15 to 24

report that alcohol or drug use has influenced them to do something sexual in Mombasa for

example and nearly one-quarter of sexually active teens and young adults age 15 to 24 report that

21

they have had sex without a condom because they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

43 percent of teens and young adults say that they are concerned that they might do more

sexually than they had planned because they are drinking or using drugs. The report continues to

show that, Girls who smoke or drink are even more susceptible—prior use of alcohol and/or

cigarettes increases the risk of early sexual experience by 80 percent, and many teenage girls

who use alcohol when they first have sex are too drunk to use birth control successfully. In

Kisauni and Changamwe, the report shows that almost one-quarter of all high school students

used alcohol or drugs prior to their last sexual experience.

In a nutshell summary, a study by NACADA (2012) shows that, teens often drink or use other

drugs when they engage in sexual activity. So perhaps it's not surprising that many young people

lose their virginity while drunk. Unfortunately, many teens who get drunk and have sex also

become pregnant because they aren't thinking about or able to use protection at the time. The

report continue to show that, thirteen percent of teens say they've done something sexual while

using alcohol and other drugs that they might not have done if they had been sober. Finally, teens

who drink and smoke are more likely to hang out with teens they perceive to be sexually

"advanced" — which usually results in a higher level of sexual activity among those teens

themselves.

Therefore, there are complicated, even dangerous, connections between the use of drugs and

alcohol and sexual behaviors. Yet the effects of most drug prevention efforts have been modest

at best. Risky behaviors are not going away, and neither is our responsibility to face them

squarely. Perhaps now is the time for educators to try new strategies to counter the ever

increasing challenges of teen alcohol and drug abuse and the impact on their sexual risk-taking

behavior. Some experts advocate programs which offer comprehensive and realistic information

about the effects of alcohol and other drugs, along with the assumption that young people can be

trusted to make responsible decisions to stay safe (Softkenya, 2014).

22

2.6 The Conceptual Framework

The study is guided by the following conceptual framework which shows the independent

variables and dependent variable.

Independent Variables

Dependent Variable

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework

Education Performance

Poor Grades

Poor Concentration

Absenteeism

School Drop Out

Economic Productivity

Financial Losses

Demands For Medical

Drug-Related Deaths

Public Safety

Labour Non-Participation

Teenage Pregnancies

Irresponsible Sexual Behavior

More Sexual Partners

Unwanted Pregnancies

Illegal Abortions

Effects of Drug and

Substance Abuse on Youth

Development

23

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter focused on the research methodology used in the study. It entails a research design,

the target population and sample size, the procedure followed in the collection of the data, data

collection instrument, validity and reliability, data presentation and analysis.

3.2. Research Design

According to Mugenda and Mugenda (1999), research design refers to the procedures selected by

a researcher for studying a particular set of questions or hypothesis; this includes the researcher’s

choice of quantitative or qualitative methodology, and how, if at all, causal relationships between

variables or phenomena are to be explored. This study therefore used a descriptive survey

research design. According to Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), a descriptive survey is a means of

gathering information about the characteristics, actions or opinions of a large group of people

and thus, surveys are capable of obtaining information from large samples of the population.

3.3 Target Population

The target population for this study included all the youths who are subscribed to one major

Alpha and Omega Teens 4 teen CBO. Alpha and Omega Youth Group is a registered self-help

group under the Ministry of Gender Children & Social Services in the Department of Social

Services. The group is located in Jomvu division, Birikani sub location-(Bangladesh), of

Changamwe constituency /district formally Mombasa district along Mombasa –Nairobi highway

opposite Changamwe railway station. It was established in year 2009.The group’s formation was

primarily facilitated to address the pathetic drug abuse/use by the youths Environmental

pollution standards, Economic Empowerment of the youth, Social construction and the

HIV/AIDS pandemic through behavior change interventions. The youth group therefore aims at

empowering the youth (boys and girls) who live in abject poverty to sustainable Economic,

Social and Environmental maturity. The numbers of youth subscribed to the CBO today are

approximately 190. This will make the target population.

3.4 Sample design and sample size

Mugenda & Mugenda (2003) argues that a sample size of at least 10% of the target population is

convenient in a descriptive study more specifically when the target population is less than

10,000. According to Okombo (2012) the sample population should have at least 30 respondents

24

in order to have an accurate analysis. Determination of the sample shall be guided by the need to

obtain a sample that is, as far as possible, representative of the population as a whole. Kothari

(2004) argues that the sample size population can be increased from 10% to 20%, 30% or more

so as to take care of the non-respondents. Since the population is more centralized and is not

large, the researcher adopted the 30% threshold. Therefore a random sampling was applied to

randomly sample 30% of the respondents from the 190. Therefore the sample population taken

was 57 youths.

3.5 Data Collection Instruments

The questionnaires were the main data collection instruments used. The questionnaire was

expected to help the researcher to collect data on knowledge, opinions as well as attitudes of

respondents. The questionnaire was suited for this study because it is practical and is used to

collect data from a large number of people within a short time and in a relatively cost effective

manner. Open ended questions enabled respondents to provide sufficient details while close

ended questions enabled the researcher to easily quantify results by the use of SPSS version 20.0.

3.6 Validity and Reliability of Research

According to Marshall and Rossman (1989), validity is a measure of how well a test measures

what it is supposed to measure. It is the degree to which results obtained actually represent the

phenomenon under investigation. Reliability is defined by Kothari (2004) as the measure of the

degree to which a research instrument yields consistent results after a repeated trial.

3.6.1Validity of the Research Instrument

According to Best & Khan (1981), validity is the quality that a procedure or instrument or a tool

used in research is accurate, correct, true and meaningful. The research used content validity as a

measure of the degree to which the data collected using the questionnaire represented the

objectives of the study. The instrument was verified by the university supervisor and experts in

research and senior employees of research firms in Mombasa.

3.6.2 Reliability of the Research Instrument

Mugenda (2003) argues that reliability is concerned with estimates of the degree to which a

research instrument yields consistent results after repeated trials. In this study, reliability was

determined by a test-retest administered to 10 respondents/subjects not included in the sample.

The data obtained was keyed in as t1. A re-test was done on the same respondents and the results

25

given as t2 .A correlation value was calculated by taking (t1/10+ t2/10)/2 .A value of 0.75 will be

the minimal one accepted for the study (what is known as Cronbach’s alpha calculation).

3.7 Data Collection Procedure

Data collection tools were piloted and suggestions made before finalizing the questionnaire. The

study utilized self-administered questionnaires by the researchers and field research assistants.

The researchers got a permit from the Kenya School of administration and relevant authorities

like the ministry of youths. The researchers visited the sampled respondents and administer the

questionnaires to them. Appointments to the sampled teachers were arranged prior to the visits to

avoid any inconveniences to the respondents.

3.8 Data Analysis

Quantitative data obtained from the open ended questions was coded to facilitate quantitative

analysis. The coded data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics comprising of frequency

tables. Data analysis shall be done by use of SPSS 20.0

3.9 Ethical Considerations

All government authorities were informed prior to the study to avoid suspicions and resistance

from the community members. Consent was sought from the respondents whose participation in

this study is voluntary. The information they provided was treated with utmost confidentiality.

Privacy and dignity of the respondents shall be considered during the research. Names of the

respondents shall not be exposed and codes will be used instead. The respondents shall be

assured that a feedback session will be organized in order to disseminate the research findings to

the county.

26

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 Introduction

The data collected was keyed and analyzed by simple descriptive analysis using Statistical

Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.0 software. The data was then presented through

frequency tables and narrative analysis. The chapter presents data in different sub-sections that

are in relationship with the objectives and the items asked in the questionnaire.

4.2 Response Rate

57 questionnaires were administered to various categories of respondents and the results

analyzed. Out of the 57 questionnaires issued, 54 were returned, thus they were valid for the

study. 3 questionnaires were returned. This means that the return rate was 94.74% positive while

non-responses took 5.26%.

4.3 Basic Information of the Respondents

The study wanted to find out the bio data of respondents, age and educational level as shown in

the tables below.

4.3.1 Sex Distribution of the Respondents

The study found out the sex composition of the respondents as shown in the table 4.1 below.

Table 4.1 Sex Distribution of Respondents

Sex Frequency Percentage

Female 14 36.36%

Male 40 64.64%

Total 54 100%

From the table above, the response was dominated by the male gender with a total of 40 male

respondents who made 64.64% while 13 of the respondents went for the female gender that

represented 36.36%.

4.3.2 Age Distribution of Respondents

The study sought to find out the age brackets of the respondents in the study and the results were

as shown below.

27

Table 4.2 Age Distribution of Respondents

Age Frequency Percentage

14 to 18 Years 10 18.5%

18 to 22 Years 11 20.4%

22 to 26 Years 12 22.2%

26 to 30 Years

30 to 34 Years

15

6

27.8%

11.11%

Total 54 100%

From the table, majority of the population that participated in the study was between ages 26 to

30 years making 27.8%. This is the age that is mostly dominated by youths who are in the

transition rate to either parents or new jobs. This was followed by 22.2% for ages that went for

ages 22 to 26 years, ages 18 to 22 followed with 20.4%, 14 to 18 years followed with a

percentage of 18.5% and finally ages 30 to 34 years had 11.11%.

4.3.3 Educational Level of Respondents

The study sought to establish the level of education of the respondents and the results indicated

by the table below were arrived at.

Table 4.3 Academic Qualification of Respondents

Education level Frequency Percentage

Primary

Secondary

College

University

6

20

12

16

11.11%

37.0%

22.22%

29.67%

Total 54 100%

Respondents with secondary education dominated at 37.0%. They were followed by those with

university education at 29.67%, Diploma followed at 22.22%, while the remaining 11.11% with

6 respondents went for youths who have education.

28

4.4 Influence of Drug and Substance Abuse on Education Performance

The research aimed at investigating the Influence of drug and substance abuse on education

performance and results in the sub-headings below reached upon.

4.4.1 Drug and Substance Abuse on Education Performance

The respondents were asked whether they supported the idea that of drug and substance abuse

has an influence on education performance in Bangladesh area and the responses in the table

below were arrived at:

Table 4.4 Drug and Substance Abuse on Education Performance

Response Frequency Percentage

YES

NO

50

4

92.59%

7.41%

Total 54 100%

From the responses, 50 respondents agreed with the idea that drug and substance abuse has an

influence on education performance in Bangladesh area, while those who were for no made 7.4%

of the responses, bringing the total to 4 respondents.

4.4.2 Degree of Rating of Drug and Substance Abuse on Education Performance

The respondents were asked to rate using a scale of 1 to 5, the extent to which the following

issues were related to drugs and substances abuse. Key is as: (Strongly Agree – SA, Agree – A,

Neutral – N, Disagree – D, Strongly Disagree – SD).

29

Table.4.5 Rating of Drug and Substance Abuse on Education Performance

Statement SD D N A SA

Drugs and substances abuse has led to Poor Grades among youths in

schools.

4 7 9 29 5

Poor Concentration in schools is due to drug and substances abuse. 7 7 12 17 11

Absenteeism in Bangladesh is due to drugs and substance abuse. 5 6 14 19 10

School Drop Outs have increased due to drugs and substances abuse. 0 7 9 29 9

From the responses gotten, various factors attracted different degrees of responses on a rating.

On the factor that focused on Poor Grades among youths in schools, 4 respondents strongly

disagreed, 7 Disagreed, 9 went for neutral, 29 agreed, while, 5 strongly agreed with the issue.

Responses on poor concentration in schools had, 7 who disagreed, 7 disagreed, 12 went for

neutral, 17 agreed while, 11 strongly agreed. The statement that read, Absenteeism in

Bangladesh is due to drugs and substance abuse attracted, 5 respondents strongly disagreed, 6

who disagreed, 14 who were neutral, 19 who agreed, while the remaining 10 greatly agreed.

Finally, the statement that read, school drop outs have increased due to drugs and substances

abuse attracted, no respondents strongly disagreed, 7 who disagreed, 9 who were neutral, 29 who

agreed, while the remaining 9 greatly agreed.

4.5 Influence of Drug and Substance Abuse on Economic Productivity

The study sought to examine the influence of Substance Abuse on Economic Productivity in the

Bangladesh area and the following results were gotten.

4.5.1 Drug and Substance Abuse and Economic Productivity

Respondents were asked whether they thought that Drug and Substance Abuse has influenced

Economic Productivity in Bangladesh and the following responses were given.

30

Table 4.6 Response on Relationship between Drugs and Substances Abuse on Economic

Empowerment

Response Frequency Percentage

YES 50 92.6%

NO 4 7.4%

Total 54 100%

From the response, 92.6% of the respondents felt that Drug and Substance Abuse has influenced

Economic Productivity in Bangladesh significantly, while the remaining 7.4% Drug and

Substance Abuse has influenced Economic Productivity in Bangladesh had no significant

influence in relation to projects completion. When asked to give reasons, the following became

evident: drug addicts for example become dependent on drugs to the extent that they can’t work

without using them, some have contracted diseases that have totally weakened them, others have

been absent to work, leading to poor productivity and many more.

Table 4.7 Rating of Drug and Substance Abuse and Economic Productivity

Respondents were asked a question that read, indicate your position using a scale of: Strongly

Disagree = 1, Disagree = 2, Neutral =3, Agree =4 and Strongly Agree =5 in relation to the

factors below’ and the results were as shown in the table.

31

Statement SD D N A SA

Financial losses have been experienced at Bangladesh due to drugs and

substances abuse by the youth. 3 3 15 14 19

Demands for medical care due to drugs and substances abuse has have

led to slowed economic development. 2 5 28 14 5

Drug-related deaths lead to slowed economic development. 0 13 21 10 10

Public safety concerns posed by drug users have slowed economic

development. 2 5 5 14 28

Labour non-participation by drug abusers has led to slowed

development. 3 3 10 19 19

According to the responses received, 3 respondents strongly disagreed with the idea that

financial losses have been experienced at Bangladesh due to drugs and substances abuse by the

youth, 3 disagreed, 15 were neutral, 14 agreed, while the rest 19 strongly agreed. On the idea that

focused on demands for medical care due to drugs and substances abuse attracted, 2 respondents

who strongly disagreed, 5 disagreed, 28 were neutral, 14 agreed, while the remaining 5 strongly

agreed with the idea. On the idea that read, drug-related deaths lead to slowed economic

development had the responses as follows: 0 respondents strongly disagreed, 13 disagreed, 21

were neutral, 10 agreed, while the remaining 10 strongly agreed with the statement. On the

statement that read; Public safety concerns posed by drug users have slowed economic

development, 2 respondents strongly disagreed, 5 disagreed, 5 were neutral, 14 agreed, while the

remaining 28 strongly agreed with the statement. Finally on the statement that read, labour non-

participation by drug abusers has led to slowed development, 3 respondents strongly disagreed, 3

disagreed, 10 were neutral, 19 agreed, while the remaining 19 strongly agreed with the statement.

4.6 Item on Drug and Substance Abuse and Teenage Pregnancies among the Youth

Respondents were asked whether they thought that drug and substance abuse had a link with

teenage pregnancies among the youth in Bangladesh and responses below given.

32

Table 4.8 Drug abuse and Teen Pregnancy

Response Frequency Percentage

YES 52 96.30%

NO 2 3.70%

Total 54 100%

Respondents were asked whether they thought that the drugs abuse have an influence in teen

pregnancies and the responses were that 52 respondents who represented 96.30% went for a yes

answer while the remaining 2 with a percentage of 3.7% went for a no answer. When asked to

give examples supporting their responses, over 97% of the respondents argued that, issues like

unprotected sex, group sex, sexual urge and rapes among peers are very common among the

youth abusing drugs.

4.6.1 Rating of Drug abuse and Teen Pregnancy

Respondents were asked to rate the on a scale of 1 to 5, the extent of agreement with the

following factors (SA-Strongly agree, A- Agree, N-Neutral, D-Disagree, SD- strongly disagree)

gave the following:

Table 4.9 Rating of Drug abuse and Teen Pregnancy

Statement SD D N A SA

Irresponsible sexual behavior is linked to drugs and substances abuse

in Bangladesh. 1 4 17 15 17

Drugs and substances abusers have more sexual partners. 1 3 5 21 24

Unwanted pregnancies are common among the drug and substance

abusers.

4 6 11 23 10

Illegal abortions are common among drug and substance abusers. 0 6 11 14 23

33

In relation to the above statements, the support for the statement that read irresponsible sexual

behavior is linked to drugs and substances abuse in Bangladesh had 1 respondent who strongly

disagreed, 4 disagreed, 17 were neutral, 15 agreed, while the rest 17 strongly agreed with this

idea. On the statement that read, drugs and substances abusers have more sexual partners, 1

respondent strongly disagreed, 3 disagreed, 5 neutral, 21 agreed, while the remaining 24 strongly

agreed. On the statement that read, unwanted pregnancies are common among the drug and

substance abusers, 4 respondent strongly disagreed, 6 disagreed, 11 neutral, 23 agreed, while the

remaining 10 strongly agreed On the final factor that read, poor decisions making from the

supervisors have led to delayed projects, attracted 4 respondents who strongly disagreed, 6

disagreed, 11 uncertain, 23 agreed, while the remaining 10 strongly agreed with the statement.

34

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the summary of the study findings, discussions, conclusions and

recommendation of the research. The chapter also contains suggestions of related studies that

may be carried out in the future.

5.2 Summary of Findings

The aim of this study was to establish the effects of drugs and substances abuse on the youth in

Bangladesh. From an analysis and review of the research data and additional data gathered

through interviews and questionnaires filled, issues that follow become evident.

The first objective sought to examine the extent to which drug and substance abuse influences

level of education among the youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe Constituency and from

the responses, 50 respondents agreed with the idea that drug and substance abuse has an

influence on education performance in Bangladesh area, while those who were for no made 7.4%

of the responses, bringing the total to 4 respondents. On a rating scale, in relation to the factor

that focused on Poor Grades among youths in schools, 4 respondents strongly disagreed, 7

Disagreed, 9 went for neutral, 29 agreed, while, 5 strongly agreed with the issue. Responses on

poor concentration in schools had, 7 who disagreed, 7 disagreed, 12 went for neutral, 17 agreed

while, 11 strongly agreed.

In relation to the second objective that sought to find out the extent to which drug and substance

abuse influences economic productivity among the youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe

Constituency, the following responses became apparent. From the response, 92.6% of the

respondents felt that Drug and Substance Abuse has influenced Economic Productivity in

Bangladesh significantly, while the remaining 7.4% Drug and Substance Abuse has influenced

Economic Productivity in Bangladesh had no significant influence in relation to projects

completion. When asked to give reasons, the following became evident: drug addicts for

35

example become dependent on drugs to the extent that they can’t work without using them, some

have contracted diseases that have totally weakened them, others have been absent to work,

leading to poor productivity and many more.

.

The third objective sought to examine the influence of drug and substance abuse on teenage

pregnancies among the youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe Constituency. Here,

respondents were asked whether they thought that the drugs abuse have an influence in teen

pregnancies and the responses were that 52 respondents who represented 96.30% went for a yes

answer while the remaining 2 with a percentage of 3.7% went for a no answer. When asked to

give examples supporting their responses, over 97% of the respondents argued that, issues like

unprotected sex, group sex, sexual urge and rapes among peers are very common among the

youth abusing drugs.

5.3 Discussion of Findings

Findings have shown that there is a significant link between the objectives discussed in the

literature review and what is seen in chapter four and as it is entirely proven by the figures that

have been shown. Therefore, from the findings on the first objective sought to examine the extent

to which drug and substance abuse influences level of education among the youth in Bangladesh

Village Changamwe Constituency and from the responses, 50 respondents agreed with the idea

that drug and substance abuse has an influence on education performance in Bangladesh area,

while those who were for no made 7.4% of the responses, bringing the total to 4 respondents. In

agreement to this is Muchemi (2013) who notes that, in Kenya, reports of young people’s lives

destroyed by alcohol and drugs are rampant. The youth and particularly students are especially

vulnerable to the vice owing to peer pressure, media influence, poor guidance and role modeling.

The problem has taken root in learning institution leading to the high number of school drop outs

and idleness.

In relation to the second objective that sought to find out the extent to which drug and substance

abuse influences economic productivity among the youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe

Constituency, the following responses became apparent. From the response, 92.6% of the

respondents felt that Drug and Substance Abuse has influenced Economic Productivity in

Bangladesh significantly, while the remaining 7.4% Drug and Substance Abuse has influenced

36

Economic Productivity in Bangladesh had no significant influence in relation to projects

completion. When asked to give reasons, the following became evident: drug addicts for

example become dependent on drugs to the extent that they can’t work without using them, some

have contracted diseases that have totally weakened them, others have been absent to work,

leading to poor productivity and many more. This is supported by Gropper (1985) cited by INCB

(2016) who notes that the social and economic costs related to youth substance abuse are high.

They result from the financial losses and distress suffered by alcohol- and drug-related crime

victims, increased burdens for the support of adolescents and young adults who are not able to

become self-supporting, and greater demands for medical and other treatment services for these

youth.

The third objective sought to examine the influence of drug and substance abuse on teenage

pregnancies among the youth in Bangladesh Village Changamwe Constituency. Here,

respondents were asked whether they thought that the drugs abuse have an influence in teen

pregnancies and the responses were that 52 respondents who represented 96.30% went for a yes

answer while the remaining 2 with a percentage of 3.7% went for a no answer. When asked to

give examples supporting their responses, over 97% of the respondents argued that, issues like

unprotected sex, group sex, sexual urge and rapes among peers are very common among the

youth abusing drugs.

According to a study carried out by NACADA (2014c), teens who drink or use drugs in Kenya

today often are more sexually active and less likely to use contraception when they have sex than

teens who take fewer risks. They also tend to have more sexual partners, and often start having

sex at younger ages. This is true due to the fact that, nearly four in ten high school students

report having experimented with marijuana at least once, and over one-third of form fours report

they have used some type of illicit drug. Approximately two-thirds of youths in colleges report

having tried alcohol at least once and one-quarter of all high school students in Mombasa and

Nairobi slums say they drink heavily on occasion. Consequently, teens 15 and older who use

drugs are more likely to be sexually experienced than are those teens who do not use drugs, as 72

percent of teens who use drugs have had sex, compared to 36 percent who have never used

drugs.

37

5.4 Conclusions

Based on the findings and the analysis of the data from the field, the researcher concluded that,

academic performance of the youth, level of economic performance by the youth and teenage

pregnancy are closely linked and influenced by the use, abuse and taking of drugs in

Changamwe’s Bangladesh slum.

5.5 Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study that has come from the respondents in the field and the

literature review, the researcher recommends that the county government in charge of dugs

control, the NACADA, NGOS, CBOs, FBOs, teachers, politicians and local leaders should come

up with amicable strategies that can enable the youths understand the effects and dangers

associated with drugs and substances abuse. Also, rehabilitation centres and special

schools/social education halls must be built to take care of the youth who are already affected.

5.6 Suggestions for Further Research

i. This study was carried out in Kenya’s coast region only. Therefore, a similar study can be

done in other parts of the country.

ii. A research can be done to access the effects of drugs and substances abuse on the third

parties (parents, guardians, society) in Changamwe sub-county.

38

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41

Appendixes

Appendix I:

Letter of Transmittal

Martin Otundo Richard

P. O. Box 09-80402

Lungalunga, Kenya

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: INTRODUCTION AND REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE IN STUDY

I am a student at JKUAT Mombasa campus. Am doing a report in this area and the research

topic is Effects of Drugs and Substances Abuse on Youth Performance in Bangladesh.

You have been randomly selected to participate in this study by filling in the questionnaire to

enable the collection of the needed data for analysis. The information collected will be used for

academic research only and will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Thanking you in advance for your co-operation.

Yours faithfully,

Otunod Richard Martin +254721246744

Researcher (PhD Student JKUAT)

42

Appendix II:

Questionnaire

SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

Please tick in the most appropriate box. [ √ ]

1. Kindly indicate your gender:

Male [ ]

Female [ ]

2. What is your age bracket?

14 to 18 Years [ ]

18 to 22 Years [ ]

22 to 26 Years [ ]

26 to 30 Years [ ]

30 to 34 Years [ ]

3. What is your level of education?

Primary [ ]

Secondary [ ]

College [ ]

University [ ]

SECTION B: Question in Relation To the Items in the Questionnaire

Influence of Drug and Substance Abuse on Education Performance

1. Do you support the idea that of drug and substance abuse has an influence on education

performance in Bangladesh area?

Yes { } No { }

43

2. In the table below please indicate your appropriate response to the statements given by

ticking in the correct box.

Key: Strongly Agree – SA, Agree – A, Neutral – N, Disagree – D, Strongly Disagree – SD

Statement SD D N A SA

Drugs and substances abuse has led to Poor Grades among youths in

schools.

Poor Concentration in schools is due to drug and substances abuse.

Absenteeism in Bangladesh is due to drugs and substance abuse.

School Drop Outs have increased due to drugs and substances abuse.

Influence of Drug and Substance Abuse on Economic Productivity

4. Do you think that there is an influence of drug and substance abuse on economic productivity?

Yes { } No { }

4. Giving two examples to support your arguments in 4 above.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. In a rating scale, in the table below please indicate your appropriate response to the

statements given by ticking in the correct box.

44

Key: Strongly Agree – SA, Agree – A, Neutral – N, Disagree – D, Strongly Disagree – SD

Statement SD D N A SA

Financial losses have been experienced at Bangladesh due to drugs and

substances abuse by the youth.

Demands for medical care due to drugs and substances abuse has have

led to slowed economic development.

Drug-related deaths lead to slowed economic development.

Public safety concerns posed by drug users have slowed economic

development.

Labour non-participation by drug abusers has led to slowed

development.

Drug and Substance Abuse and Teenage Pregnancies among the Youth

6. Do you agree with the idea that drugs and substances abuse are closely linked to teenage

pregnancies among the youth in Bangladesh area?

Yes ( ) No ( )

7. Support your answer above with any evidence.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

45

9. In the table below please indicate your appropriate response to the statements given by ticking

in the correct box.

Key: Strongly Agree – SA, Agree – A, Neutral – N, Disagree – D, Strongly Disagree – SD

Statement SD D N A SA

Irresponsible sexual behavior is linked to drugs and substances abuse

in Bangladesh.

Drugs and substances abusers have more sexual partners.

Unwanted pregnancies are common among the drug and substance

abusers.

Illegal abortions are common among drug and substance abusers.

46

Appendix III:

Budget

NO. DESCRIPTION AMOUNT

(KSHS)

1. Stationary expenses 4,500

2. Travelling and upkeep expenses 20,000

3. Research Assistants Allowances 20,000

4. Photocopying and Binding 10,500

TOTAL 56,000