Abstract: This study aimed at investigating the effect of drug abuse on the academic performance of students in Masaba North Sub-County. The study employed descriptive survey research design. Target population was 32 secondary schools in Masaba North sub-county. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 11 secondary schools. Twelve form three students were sampled using class register from each of the 11 schools sampled. Eleven principals and 11 guidance and counseling teachers from each sampled school were used as respondents. A total sample size of 154 respondents was used. The study used questionnaires and interview schedule to collect primary data. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software program and presented using descriptive methods such as frequencies, means, standard deviation and percentages and presented as tables and figures. The study concluded that drug and substance abuse among the students led to school drop outs, strained relationship with other students, lack of interest in studying, truancy, low concentration span and healthy problems such as anxiety, headaches, feeling sleepy and confusion leading to declining academic performance. The researcher recommended that schools should develop a drug policy, to create awareness of the effect of drug abuse among students and lias with all educational stakeholders so as to improve student’s academic performance. Although the Ministry of Education has integrated drug abuse in some subjects, it should also consider developing a curriculum on effects of drug abuse. This will ensure that all students are informed about consequences of drug abuse in order to make informed judgements.
Keywords: Drug, Truancy, Anxiety, Questionnaire, Masaba, Respondent.
Title: Effects of Drug Abuse on Academic Performance among Secondary School Students in Masaba North Sub County, Nyamira County, Kenya
Author: Jared Ombaba Okari, Alice Masese
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
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