The Effect Of Drug Abuse On Academic Performance Of Students In Masaka Town Secondary School, Masaka Town

ABSTRACT

The study examined the effect of drug abuse on the academic performance of students

in Masaka Town senior secondary school Masaka municipality, specifically the study

Intended to (i) identify the sources of the drugs in Masaka Municipality, (ii) to examine

the level of drug abuse of students in Masaka Town Secondary school and (iii) to

establish the relationship between drug abuse and performance of students in Masaka

Town Secondary school. This study employed a cross sectional survey design and used

a population of all teacher in the study schools out of whom a sample of 18 teacher

who were selected using random sampling. Data were collected using researcher

questionnaires. The study found out that, there is evidence of drug abuse. Sources

were identified as local brews, agents, local kiosk, and within the school. The reasons

for drug abuse are peer pressure, poverty, parental influence and medical advice. The

study also found out that there is accessibility of guidance services for the students and

that drug abuse effect student’s academic performance. From these findings

appropriate conclusions and recommendations were given. The recommendations

include; Parents should be good role models by not taking cigarettes and brews before

their children as their children are likely to imitate them. Teachers should keep learners

busy with academic activities so they do not engage in drug taking. Parents should fully

support their children by providing all their basic needs as this will help keep off drugs

and teachers and parents should direct learners to influence one another positively and discourage only learners who try to influence another negatively. The learners should be sensitized. The learners should be sensitized on the bad effects of drug abuse.