Publications

The study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of drug abuse amongadolescents in selected secondary schools in Fort Portal City, Kabarole district. Drug abusehas significantly impacted the adolescent population, reducing their effectiveness andwasting their lives at a crucial age. The study was conducted using purposive sampling inFort Portal Secondary School, Mpanga Secondary School, and Westville High School. Theresearch design was a descriptive cross-section study design, with a sample size of 322respondents. The findings revealed that drug abuse prevalence was 19%, with age between17 and 19 years, male gender, being in a boarding section, being a first-born, staying withboth parents, and peer pressure as key determinants. Strict parents and religiosity wereidentified as protective factors against drug abuse. Social media influence and economicfactors were not identified as determinants of drug abuse. Common drugs of abuse weretobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and khart. Psychosocial, social cultural, and economic factorswere identified as determinants of drug abuse. The study highlights the urgent need forimmediate attention to address the growing issue of drug abuse among adolescents insecondary schools.