Drug abuse, peer pressure and copying strategy among adolescents at Kisenyi Slums Kampala

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between Drug Abuse, Peer Pressure and Coping Strategy among adolescents. A correlation research design using quantitative approach was used and the study used primary data which was obtained by administering questionnaires to 100adolescents within Kisenyi slums, Kampala metropolitan area. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS software version 26.0. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found out that drug abuse, peer pressure and coping strategy are significantly inter-related. This study also found out that an increase in drug abuse leads to an increase in coping strategy through the mediating variable of peer pressure among adolescents. This study recommends that awareness be created by government or organizations working with adolescents in the community to know the danger of drug abuse, peer influence and how adolescents should cope with their situations. The study also recommend that parents of adolescents should be provided with basic skills and knowledge on how to guide their children on the type of friends they choose as this may reduce the drug related issues which comes as the results from pressure from their peer.