Prevalence Rate of Substance Use, its Association with Selected Socio-Demographic Factors and its Impacts on Education: The Case of Halaba Secondary School Students

The present study aimed to find out the prevalence of substance use and its relationship with selected socio-demographic factors as well as its educational impacts. Halaba public secondary school was selected purposefully due to its strategic importance. Out of a total of 5,518 students 311 female and 500 male students were selected to take part in the study by using proportionate stratified random sampling technique . A survey questionnaire was used to collect data by the help of 11 secondary school teachers. Three FGDs were conducted with 24 key informants. According to the present study 29.8% of the students were found to be current substance users. Chi-Square Test indicated that gender and substance use were highly significantly associated (p< .001). On the other hand, one way ANOVA indicated that Muslims were more involved in khat chewing compared to other religious groups. Also grades 9&10 students were more involved compared to their seniors. The more the parents' were educated the trend observed was that the lesser is the involvement of their children in substance use. Children of vocational level educated parents were less involved in substance use. Likewise, compared to other professional groups farmers' children were more involved in substance use (p<.001). Furthermore, an indication that pointed out negative impacts of substance use on academics was found. In order to control and prevent substance use in schools, an integrated approach that involves Parent Teacher Association, Student Council, Community and Religious leaders and the Government should be employed.