Impact of Peer Influence on Substance Abuse among Students in Public Day Secondary Schools in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County

The purpose of the study was to find out impact of peer influence on substance abuse among students in public day secondary schools in Thika Sub-County, Kiambu County. The specific objectives of the study were; to find out the type of drugs abused by students in public day secondary schools in Thika Sub-County; to establish the impact of peer influence on the use of drugs by secondary school students in Thika Sub-County; to determine the relationship between gender and drug abuse by secondary school students in Thika Sub-County; and to assess the role of counseling in mitigating substance abuse in secondary schools in Thika Sub-County. The study used descriptive research design. The target population was 720 public day secondary school students. The sample size was 72 form 3 students from 6 public day secondary schools in Thika Sub-County. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. The data obtained was first checked for completeness, coded, tabulated and analyzed using SPSS version 20 by both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results were presented using tables and graphs. Based on the correlation results, the study concluded that there is a positive and significant association between type of drugs abused, peer influence, gender differences and substance abuse in secondary schools. However, the study concluded that there is a negative and significant association between counseling and substance abuse in secondary schools. From the regression results, the study concluded that there is a positive and significant relationship between type of drugs abused, peer influence, gender differences and substance abuse in secondary schools. However, the study concluded that there is a negative and significant relationship between counseling and substance abuse in secondary schools. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government should take measures to neutralize the supply of drugs in the Country. Further, the study recommends that the education stakeholders should develop programs aimed at encouraging positive peer influence, such as sports. In addition, the study recommended that there is need for both boys and girls to be educated on matters pertaining to drug abuse. Finally, the study recommended the need for improved guidance and counseling department in all secondary schools. Further, the department should have well trained and experienced personnel who understand the plight of the students and are able to offer guidance accordingly.