Drug abuse among out of school adolescents: exploring perceptions on causes, consequences and protective practicesin Ilemela municipal, Mwanza Tanzania.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background In Tanzania a large number of adolescents abuse illicit drugs. Previous studies have focused their attention on in-school adolescents particularly in terms of incidence, extent, knowledge, attitude and practice of drug abuse. However, few studies have sought to tape opinions of out of school adolescents who live in the communities in which illicit drugs are sold and used. Consequently, little is known on perceptions of out-of-school adolescents regarding risk factors for drug abuse, consequences and protective factors against drug abuse. It is this gap in knowledge that this study intended to fill. Objectives: This study sought to explore the perceptions of the out of school adolescent‟s on the risk factors for drug abuse, consequence and protective practices with reference to Ilemela Municipal. Methodologies: The study took on qualitative case study design. Purposive sampling strategy were used to select 31 adolescents between the ages 10 to 19 years – including non-drug users and those known to be users of illicit drugs. Two focus group discussion sessions each comprising 8 participants who were non-drug users and 15 in-depth interviews with adolescents known to be user of illicit drug were conducted. Data were qualitatively analyzed thematically. Results: This study found out that adolescents had a correct understanding of what drug abuse refers to. Moreover, they were to a large extent correctly informed of effects drug abuse. Regarding risk factors for drug abuse, the adolescents pointed out: having friends who engage in problem behavior, adolescent exposure to substance abuse and maladaptive coping with stressful situation. The participants correctly reported some physical, psychological, and social Consequences of drug abuse. Adolescents believed that proper parental care, monitoring and upbringing can help reduce substance abuse among adolescents. Conclusion: This study has revealed adolescents‟ perceptions on risks, effects, and protective factors against drug abuse that conform to the conventional knowledge. The study shines light on responsibilities of individual adolescents, families, community and the local government toward addressing the problem.