Influence of Personal and Parental Religiosity on Drug Use among College Students in a Christian Based University

James Karau PhD., | Maureen Onyango, Ph.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology; | Rose Ngondi, Ph.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology; Daystar University, Kenya

Abstract

Alcoholism and drug abuse among college students are becoming an increasing problem in the world today according to many studies. Many of these young people eventually get addicted to drugs and alcohol which adversely affect their academic performance as well as posing a threat to their own health and safety, while creating a great economic burden on their families and society at large. An individual’s participation in religious activities has been associated with decreased risky behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Studies have largely focused on the role of the individual’s religiosity in delaying risky behaviors such as drug use and sexual indulgence. However, there seems to be scanty literature of analysis on specific indicators of religiosity against drug use. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of personal religiosity indicators on drug use among college students. Multistage stratified random sampling technique was used in the selection of participants. In total, 905 participants responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Composite variables for individual and parental religiosity were developed and analyzed through descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. A higher level of personal religiosity was associated with lower drug prevalence. Higher personal religiosity (religious affiliation, active participation in church activities, and whether the correspondent spent free time worshiping) showed lower substance use. Indicators of parent religiosity had no direct significant influence on substance us. In conclusion, indicators of personal religiosity were associated with low drug use. Therefore, institutions can implement multiple forums and strategies that would ensure increased engagement in religious activities that go beyond chapel attendance and “born again” status. Similarly, the role of institutional religiosity cannot be undermined and implementing similar strategies would increase the level of religiosity among adolescents and subsequently reduce drug use.

Keywords: religiosity, drug use, bio-ecological theory, risky behavior, university students