Growing Tendency of Drug Abuse and Narcotics Use in Students
Abstract
The present study aims to examine the growing tendency of drug abuse and narcotic use in students in secondary schools in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Using snowball sampling technique, population was divided among 8 targeted areas/districts. On the bases of convenient sampling 1600 addicted students, 800 from schools/colleges and 800 from Madaris (private religious institutions) i.e. 200 students from each district were selected. The data were collected through questionnaires from students, teachers and parents during the academic years 2020-21. The combine response rate was more than 87%. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V32). Chi-square test was used. More than 90% of the 3 categories of respondents reported continuous increase in the number of addicted students. They observed tremendous increase in the use of sleeping pills and ice. The school students found a gradual increase while madrasa students felt gradual decrease in the use of the remaining drugs/narcotics in this study. The views of teachers and parents were similar to school students on the remaining 6 drugs under study. Fifty seven percent students and 80% teachers found the institution not played its role regarding drug abuse. However there were differences on the level of use. It was noted that the two easily available and cheaper drugs are snuff and sleeping pills. The use of snuff is on decrease percentagewise and use of sleeping pills is on increase. The finding recommended that drug and substance abuse needs involvement of all stakeholders, with a coordinated approach.
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