Initiation and Prevalence of Substance Use and Abuse among University Students in Uganda

Gooreka Okahaabwa, Psy.D; Anne Tweheyo, MA Counselling Psychology; Paul Ziryawulawo, MA Counselling Psychology & Doreen Kukugiza, MA Counselling Psychology.,Uganda Christian University .

Abstract

Substance use has become a significant challenge among students at universities and colleges resulting in delay or failure to complete studies due to addiction. This study sought to investigate the nature of the initiation of university students into substance use and the prevalence of substance use among them. A cross-sectional baseline survey was utilized, with a sample of 347 students selected from all the major student residencies of Uganda Christian University. Initiation into substance use was found to occur mainly in adolescence and before students join the university (12-19 years). Initiation is facilitated mainly by peers and prompted by curiosity, experimentation, and a need to reduce stress and find relaxation. Substance use is maintained because the users come to enjoy the after effects of use and continue to seek relaxation and stress reduction. Lifetime prevalence of smoking was reported at 13.3% (n=38) and 29.7% (n=78) for alcohol. Use during the 30 days prior to the study was reported at 24.7% (n=21) for those who acknowledged smoking and 62% (n=62) of those who acknowledged alcohol use. Users were found to be mainly full-time, undergraduates living both on and off campus especially in hostels not affiliated to the university. Users were distributed throughout the third, second and first years of study. Binge drinking and use during the preceding 30 days was not remarkable. These may, however, not be the most effective indicators for at-risk or problem drinking within this population. Considering the number of “problem cases” and anecdotal evidence on the magnitude of the problem of substance use on campus and its impact on students, the reported figures for substance use appear to be lower than the actual. Further research is therefore recommended with a larger sample with a focus specifically on those who acknowledge use. Prevention and intervention activities are also recommended with prevention activities targeting pre-university students.

Keywords: substance use, initiation, prevalence, university students, alcohol use, tobacco use, marijuana use.