Factors influencing psychoactive substance use among adolescents in public secondary schools in Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: Studies exploring psychoactive substance use (PASU) among adolescents report a variety of both intrapersonal and interpersonal negatively and positively reinforcing factors. While existing studies have looked at factors affecting PASU among adolescents in general, little has been done to explore such factors in schools. Objective: This paper examines the factors that influence PASU among adolescents in Ugandan public schools. Methods: The study generated data from 12 focus group discussions (FGDs), based on a qualitative, cross-sectional exploratory design using purposive sampling. We used a focus group guide based on the question: What factors influence use of psychoactive substances among students in your school? Results: All focus groups noted peer pressure as the strongest factor influencing use of substances in schools, with relief from domestic stress being identified as the second strongest factor. The FGDs tackled other factors related to PASU in public schools in Uganda, though not to as big of an extent. Conclusion: Present study results generally seem to suggest that PASU among adolescents in public schools is a result of the interaction between adolescents, the substances in question, and the environment in which those adolescents live.