Substance abuse among students in Ghanaian second cycle institution A case study in Apam Senior High School

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the phenomenon of substance abuse among students in Ghanaian Second Cycle institutions with focus on Apam Senior High School. The population for this study comprised students in Apam Senior High School. The study adopted a mixed-method approach and descriptive survey design. A sample of 246 students were selected for the study. questionnaire and interview guide were used for data collection. The scores of each item on the questionnaire was organized, statistically compiled and entered into SPSS to obtain the frequency, percentage and the mean and standard deviation values of each item. The interview data was analysed using thematic analyses approach. The study revealed that students of Apam Senior High School abused various substances which include liquid and solid substances. The liquid substances include both local and exotic imported alcoholic beverages such as akpeteshie, palmwine, Guinness, beer, dry gin among others. The study pointed out that peer pressure, poor parental control, energy from drugs to study for more hours, curiosity and availability of drugs were reasons why the students of Apam Senior High School abuse substance. The study also revealed that the adverse Socio– economic effects associated with substances abuse among students of Apam Senior High School were immoral behaviour, mental disorder, Physical deficiencies, Crime and violence and Substance abuse undermines student’s academic ability. The study recommended that through PTA, parents should be encouraged to become involved in broad preventive efforts; they have a crucial role to play in preventing drug abuse among their children through their role as parents. The district through District Education Oversight Committee (DEOC) Members should encourage parents to take active role in their children’s lives, by talking with them about drugs, monitoring their activities, get to know their playmates, showing concerns to their problems, and attending PTAs to interacts with their wards teachers. The school counselling coordinator should engage students to involve themselves in various academic and sporting activities.