Burden of substance abuse, risk factors and associated consequences among the youth in Kisenyi slum area

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse among the youth is a global menace currently. According to available statistics, youth abuse substances to seek euphoria mainly which is rooted in several various factors which could be socio-economical, individual factors, and family status among others. Substance abuse is common especially in urban settings globally. Objective: To assess the burden of substance abuse, risk factors, and consequences among the youth in Kisenyi slum Kampala District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a modified WHO ASSIST tool on 322 participants. Local leaders of the area were used as guide in the recruitment of study participants. Semi-structured interviews were used in data collection following consent. A single stage cluster sampling technique was used in recruitment of study participants. Data collected was entered in an Excel Spreadsheet and then transferred into STATA version 14 for statistical analysis. Results: A high percentage, 72.4% (n=233) of the study participants reported to the use psychoactive substances. Over a half, 53.1% (n=171) were male. The mean age was 22.7±4.5 years. More than half, 53.7% (n=173) of the study participants reported that khat was the most commonly abused substance. Most of the study participants defined substance abuse as a form of self-medication to cope with emotional or psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Reasons reported for use of these substances include search for euphoria, 58.7% (n=189) and teenagers' curiosity, 38.5% (n=124). Reported consequences were dependence, 54.7% (n=176). Conclusion: Substance abuse is a common practice among the youth in kisenyi slum area with khat and alcohol the most commonly abused. Main driving factors are euphoria, curiosity, unemployment and peer pressure. Main consequences of use of these substances reported include dependence, sleep disorders, depression, gender-based violence and aggression.