Substance use and academic performance among university youth students. A case study of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived
effects of drugs and substance use on academic performance
among university youth students in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This
qualitative study employed the phenomenology research design.
The research philosophy or set of beliefs that informed the
conduct and writing of this research was constructivism/
interpretive. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques
were used. Interview guide was used as an instrument for data
collection. Due to data saturation, 10 (Ten) participants were
interviewed. Data was analyzed thematically. Findings of the
study revealed that, the university students’ abuse drugs like
marijuana, mandrax mixture and substances like, alcohol,
bronco cough syrup. The findings from this present study
discovered that the major causes of substance use among
university youth students include: home stressors, child headed
families, lack of food, school fees, family background parental
influence, frustrations at home, peer pressure, availability of
money to buy the drugs and availability of drugs. The findings
also revealed that the effects of drugs abuse are: poor academic
performance in class, school dropout, bullying other students,
lack of interest in studying, low concentration and stealing. The
study recommends that there is a need for all universities to have
Psychology and Counselling hubs manned by registered
Psychologists and Counsellors to guide and give therapy to all
university youths and the affected students. There is need for the
government through Ministry of higher and tertiary education to
introduce Psychology and Counselling programs in university
curriculum to empower students with preventive strategies to
reduce substance use. The study recommends organisation of
awareness campaigns on substance use to the students and
parents.