Effects Of Drug And Substance Abuse Among Third Year University Students On Their Academic Performance: Case Study Of Maasai Mara University.

Abstract

Kaloki Patrick Mulwa ABSTRACT. The consequences of drug and substance abuse pose serious risks not only to those who abuse them but also to those in their immediate environment. This study therefore sought to investigate on the effects of drug and substance abuse on the academic performance among third year drug abusing students in Maasai Mara University in Narok County-Kenya. It was based on the following objectives: to identify the main types of drugs and substances abused by MMU students, to examine the factors influencing drug and substance abuse among MMU students, to identify the effects of drug and substance on students’ performance in MMU, and to examine the university initiatives and programs to fight against drug and substance abuse among MMU third year students. This was vital because the students’ fraternity of MMU was enlightened and more knowledgeable on this topic. The findings of this study were expected to help the university administration improve or put in place measures to ensure drug and substance is controlled within the university and improve on the academic performance of MMU students. This study was guided by two theories, that is, Bandura’s Cognitive Learning theory and the Behavioral model. This study was also influenced by dependent and independent variables without which the study would not be possible as shown in the conceptual framework. These variables were what facilitated drug and substance abuse and were expected to affect the results of this study. This study was descriptive in nature and utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection while purposive sampling was used in data collection. The study utilized both primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained via administration of questionnaires and observation while secondary data from previous researches done by others. Data was analyzed using SPSS and the results were presented using frequency tables, pie charts and percentages. The findings of this study will be used by the university administration to improve existing and initiate new programs to curb drug and substance abuse in the university. The findings will also benefit the xiii

government and NACADA in policy formulation in regard to drug and substance abuse in order to curb the menace in Public Universities and other institutions of higher learning.