| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of the study was to examine Substance Abuse Knowledge, Attitude and Practices among Teachers in Kampala Secondary Schools. The objective of the study was to:
Identify types and forms of substances abused, establish teacher’s knowledge and attitude on substance abuse and establish practical steps taken to remedy the vice in the selected secondary schools.
The study used a cross sectional research design with a qualitative research approach. A sample size of 20 teachers, 3 head teachers and 3 parents was selected in Rubaga Division. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussions and direct interviews. Validity of the questionnaire was achieved through consultation with the supervisor that all the instruments had adequate traits.
The analysis was as proposed in the research objectives. Patterns and connections within and between categories were identified and reported. It was interpreted by composing explanations and substantiating them using the respondent’s open responses.
This study found out substances abused in Kampala Schools are alcohol, marijuana, kuber, Tobacco, shisha, Cocaine and Pain killers (specifically Panadol) with alcohol and marijuana being the most abused. The study found out that teachers are knowledgeable about ways of identifying students abusing substances but have little knowledge on how students bring these substances into schools. The study also found out the attitude towards substance abusers among teachers is mainly negative with head teachers being more sympathetic. The findings also found out that the main practices among teachers to deal with substance abuse is counselling them. Other practices include involvement of parents, encouraging anti-drug clubs, increasing vigilance at school, improving teacher student relationships and using religious leaders to talk to students about Substance abuse
The recommendations were increasing strictness in schools through school rules and vigilant security at entry points; organization of sensitization seminars; students seeking counselling when hooked, reporting friends involved in abusing substances and not giving into peer pressure to abuse substances; government intervention in implementing rules and regulations against importing of substances into the country; and laws that punish individuals that sell substances to students. | en_US |
