Perceptions of drug abuse among the Youth in Abaita- Ababiri, Entebbe Municipality

Abstract

Drug abuse is a maladaptive use of substance resulting in impairment of functioning or distress as manifested by a failure to perform adequately at home, school, or work. In Uganda, a large number of the population mostly the youth abuse drugs without the physicians prescription. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of drug abuse among the youth in Abaita-ababiri, Entebbe municipality, Uganda. The objective of the study were; to identify the causes of drug abuse among the youth in Abaita-ababiri, to assess the consequences of drug abuse on the youth of Ababita-ababiri, to assess the ways through which the youth manage drug abuse in Abaita-ababiri, Entebbe municipality. A qualitative approach was used through employing the case study design in Abaita-ababiri, Entebbe municipality. Twelve participants were to be included in the study whereby ten were the primary participants (the youth) between the ages of 18 to 35 years and the two were the secondary participants (the key informants). The participants were recruited using the purposive sampling method. An in-depth interview guide was used to interview the youth who were the primary participants after obtaining informed consent from them. The secondary participants who were the key informants were interviewed using the key informant interview guide. The interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim; the data was then analyzed using the thematic analysis method. The findings of this study showed that the causes of drug abuse among the youth in Abaita-ababiri, Entebbe municipality included peer pressure, purposes of boosting energy, coping with stress and weather changes. Physical, social, psychological consequences were identified where impaired relationships and violence were common among the youth who indulge in drug abuse. Provision of job placements for the youth, enlightenment and education were among the best ways of managing drug abuse in Abaita-ababiri, Entebbe municipality. The implications for social work practice, policy and future research were considered and recommendations were made on the findings of the study such as the government and non-governmental organizations the youth.