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European Journal of Education Studies ISSN: 2501 - 1111 ISSN-L: 2501 - 1111 Available on-line at: www.oapub.org/edu Volume 3 │Issue 10 │2017 doi: 10.5281/zenodo.1040717 INFLUENCE OF DRUG USE ON STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATINYANI DISTRICT, KENYA Muusya Jackline Kavutha, Jonathan Muema Mwaniai South Eastern Kenya University, School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, P.O Box 170 code 90200 Kitui, Kenya Abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of drug use on student interest in learning and identify counselling interventions that can be used when dealing with drug use among secondary school students in Matinyani district. Descriptive survey was used in this study. Fourteen public secondary schools were involved with population of 1701 students. Purposive sampling was used in the sample selection to select 5 schools which included a girls boarding, a boys boarding school, a mixed day school, a mixed boarding school and a mixed day and a boarding school. A sample size of 269 was used. The data was collected by use of a Core Alcohol and Drug Survey Questionnaire. Validity and reliability of the study instrument was established through a pilot study. A correlation coefficient alpha of 0.7408 was obtained. According to, Fraenkel and Wallen (2002) a reliability co efficient of 0.7 or more implies high degree of reliability. Data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The descriptive analysis, percentages, tables, bar graphs and charts were used in presenting and summarizing the findings. The study established that drug use lead to increased lack interest in learning among students. The study further established that it is the responsibility of all members of society to fight drug use in our country. This is so because when students use drugs, the effects are felt all over. The study recommends that; teacher counselors should adopt group counseling and peer counseling techniques in assisting adolescents overcome the problem of drug use; schools should have active and working guidance and counseling Copyright © The Author(s). All Rights Reserved. © 2015 – 2017 Open Access Publishing Group 683 Muusya Jackline Kavutha, Jonathan Muema Mwania INFLUENCE OF DRUG USE ON STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATINYANI DISTRICT, KENYA departments with well trained personnel to handle drug related case; school administrators should discourage transfers/admissions of indiscipline students from one school to another; among other recommendations. Keywords: Matinyani district, drug use, discipline and interest in learning, counselling intervention 1. Introduction There is growing concern worldwide today over growing number of youth using drugs that the law does not permit or prohibit. The existence and extent of drug use has been identified as one of the greatest problem in learning institutions. This affects various aspects of learning such as student s discipline and interest in learning hence affecting academic performance. Drugs are chemical substances that modify mental, emotional and behavioral functioning American Psychological Association (2000). According to the World Drug report (2005), the use of illicit drugs has increased throughout the recent years. The report further states that a major World trend is the increasing availability of many kinds of drugs. A report released by United Nations Drugs Control Programme (2004) 4.8% of the global population consume drugs, but the worrying fact is that according to, United Nations Drugs Control Programme executive director (2004) those hooked are the youth. In China, it was reported that drug use is going up while the age of new users is going down. A survey in the Czech Republic showed that 37% of new drug users were teenagers between 15- 18 years old. Drug use in particular heroine is becoming a serious problem in Egypt where around 6% of sampled secondary school students admitted to have experimented with drugs. In Pakistan, it was reported that the share of those who started using heroine at 15-20 years has doubled. Africa s role in global drug supply chain is increasing. Already the continent is second largest region for cannabis production, trafficking and consumption accounting for 26% of global Seizures of this drug in 2001 (UNODC, 2004). In Kenya today drug use has become prevalent than at any other times (NACADA, 2010). Majority of the users are students in secondary schools, tertiary colleges and universities. They further point out that the use of the drugs has spread at a fast rate and reached every part of the country. Use of drugs can be traced back to precolonial days when alcohol and other drugs were used and consumed as part of traditions of the communities. The communities had virtues and values that strictly guided the use of drugs. Generally, consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs was a privilege of the elders, more often than not male elders. The actual existence of European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 10 │ 2017 684 Muusya Jackline Kavutha, Jonathan Muema Mwania INFLUENCE OF DRUG USE ON STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATINYANI DISTRICT, KENYA drug use as a social problem was rare because of strong social structures. The low levels or nonexistence of drug use was sustained as a result of strong kinship ties that ran through different social institutions. Traditions and taboos were upheld to discourage the misuse of drugs. One of the most common consequences of drug use is keeping up with academic responsibilities. According to National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism (2005) in United State of America about 25% of student s experience difficulty in academics due to drug use. Such difficulties include earning low grades, doing poorly on test, missing class and falling behind in academic performance. Even students who don t use drugs may suffer academically as a result of their peers taking drugs. The so called secondary effects of drugs include taking care of friends on drugs and being victims of assault which can affect school work of students who don t use drug. These consequences can have dramatic results. School administration report that significant number of students who drop out of school do so because drugs interfere with their academics. Drug use undermine academic mission of schools, colleges and universities. Drug use and its effect on student s performance can lead to a decline in the overall academic performance of a school as a result schools may face declining retention rates and poor reputation. Schools with reputation of drug use may attract students who engage in high-risk behaviors and may discourage prospective students who are looking for an academically vigorous institution. One of the top schools in Kitui County, Eastern Province, of Kenya, is today a shadow of its former self. The school is now infamous for poor academic performance. According to the Principal of the institution, the declining academic performance of the school can be attributed to rampant drug use among students. In Matinyani District where rains are inconsistent and unreliable, education is a major investment that determines the livelihood of many people. Many parents have realized this and hence invest heavily on education of their children. For viewing / downloading the full article, please access the following link: https://oapub.org/edu/index.php/ejes/article/view/1154 European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 3 │ Issue 10 │ 2017 685