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.