Exploring factors enabling the use of drugs and alcohol among upper secondary school pupils in Ndola District, Copper-belt Province, Zambia

Abstract

 Drugs and alcohol abuse is a major social and public health concern worldwide. It poses a huge burden on health care systems and affects the educational achievements of young people. Worldwide, the abuse of drugs and alcohol among young people in the general population remains higher than that of older people. In sub-Saharan Africa, substance abuse among young people has continued to be a serious public health concern. Similarly, in Zambia, the increased cases of drugs and alcohol abuse among school-going children have equally become a major social and public health concern. This study explored factors enabling the use of drugs and alcohol among upper secondary school pupils. A mixed method research design was adopted for this study. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaires respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic approach.  The study revealed that peer pressure, lack of parental guidance, stress, social media influence and accessibility of cheap drugs and alcohol were the major factors enabling the use of drugs and alcohol among pupils. The study underscores the need to engage and raise awareness on the negative impact of drugs and alcohol use among upper secondary pupils in Zambia.