Stress peer pressure and substance use among Makerere University students

Abstract

Substance abuse has become a major challenge among students at higher institutions of learning and this attributed to stress and peer pressure among these young adults. There for this study aims the aim of this study was to assess stress, peer pressure and substance use among Makerere University students. This information is useful in developing specialized educational programs for drug abuse among universities. The objectives of this study were: to find out the relationship between social demographic factors and substance use, to find out the relationship between stress and substance use among university students and to find out the relationship between peer pressure and substance use among university students. The study population comprised of 68 students from Makerere University. The sampling was done using simple random sampling method and data was obtained using a questionnaire. Findings from the study showed stress and peer pressure had significant relationship with substance use. The study recommended an effort be made to address this problem to policy makers, educational planners, implementers and those willing to do research on abuse of substances in learning institutions.