Influence of peer and family factors on drug abuse Among Youth in Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v3i1.119Keywords:
peer influence, family factors, youth drug abuse, adolescent behaviour, Mubende Regional Referral HospitalAbstract
Background:
Peer and family relationships are critical determinants of youth behavior, including substance use. This study aims to examine the influence of peer and family factors on drug abuse Among Youth in Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology:
The study adopted a cross-sectional study design in which quantitative data were collected. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 54 respondents. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, and results were generated and presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
Results:
Most of respondents 33(61.1%) were aged 20-25 years whereas 21(38.39) were aged 15-19 years. Majority of the respondents 42(77.78%) were male while 12(22.22%) were female. Most of them, 25(46.3%), had attained primary education, whereas the least, 7(12.96%), had attained tertiary education. A significant number of youths, 44(81.48%), were Christians. The leading source of income was business 21(38.89%), and the least 13(24.07%) reported salary as their main source of income. 50(92.59%), reported that their friends also use drugs, whereas 4(7.41%) reported having friends not use drugs. The majority of respondents, 37(68.52%), reported receiving encouragement from friends to use drugs, whereas the least, 17(31.48%), reported not receiving encouragement from their peers. More than half of the respondents, 31(57.41%), report their parents being neutral towards discouraging drug use, while the least, 6(11.11%), reported their parents being non-supportive.
Conclusion:
Peer and family dynamics strongly influence youth drug abuse, highlighting the need to address social and familial factors in prevention strategies.
Recommendation:
Strengthen family support and parental supervision while promoting positive peer mentorship programs to reduce adolescent substance use.
References
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