Accessibility Of Substances, Accommodation Status & Extracurricular Activities' Influence On Undergraduates In Kenya

Abstract

 Introduction: Institutional factors such as; Accessibility of Substances, Accommodation status, Extracurricular activities etc., had the capacity to influence and modify a student's behaviour by exposing or protecting them from substance use. The purpose of this study was to find out, to what extent these factors influence some undergraduate students into substance use in Kenya.

Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional survey and qualitative research designs were used for this study. Self - administered questionnaires were distributed to 1500 participants who were selected using Multistage Sampling Technique from 12 chartered universities with twelve university counsellors in Kenya were also interviewed.

Results: The type of accommodation was a factor that determined the current use of Substance among undergraduates. High prevalence of Substance use was reported within students residing in hostels outside the universities. Accessibility of substance (β = .25, p=.000) and extracurricular activities (β = .13, p<.001) were strong predictors of Substance use. Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis were easily accessible and their use was higher compared to other types of Substance use. Students who were engaged in extracurricular activities had lower risk of Substance use in colleges. University counsellors who were interviewed agreed that the Institutional factors played a vital role in determining the use of Substance among undergraduates.

Conclusions: Accessibility of Substance, type of Accommodation and Student engagement in extracurricular activities plays a major role in determining the undergraduate student's use of Substance in our modern Institutions. Majority of Parents / Guardians whose students reside outside the universities need to collaborate with the private accommodation facility caretakers to curb Substance use in our institutions.  Some university students use their external connection mainly outside the university to get substances for personal use and also as a source of income. The main source of substances in the university environment is fellow students

 Key words: Institutional Factors, Substance Use, Accessibility, Type Of Accommodation, Extracurricular Activities, And Undergraduate Students.