Stress, drug use and academic performance among psychology students at Makerere University

Abstract

This research investigated the correlations between life stress, drug usage, and academic performance among psychology students at Makerere University. A cross-sectional survey was employed, gathering data from 100 randomly selected students via a standardized questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 23. The sample was balanced by gender, with males and females each constituting 50% of the participants. The majority of respondents (83%) were aged between 20-30 years, and the largest proportion (74%) were unmarried. Statistical results demonstrated that drug usage had a significant negative impact on academic performance (B=-.240, p=0.009), indicating that drug use could be a crucial predictor of academic success among these students. This suggests an inverse correlation between drug use and academic performance, affirming one of our hypotheses. In contrast, no significant relationship was identified between stress and academic performance or between stress and drug use, leading to the dismissal of the other two hypotheses. Considering the notable negative correlation between drug usage and academic performance, strategies focused on preventing and combating drug use could potentially enhance academic success among students. These could include comprehensive drug education programs, availability of counseling and rehabilitation services, peer-led initiatives, strict enforcement of drug-free campus policies, promotion of healthy stress-relief alternatives such as clubs and sports, and collaboration with local community organizations.