Youths and Drug Abuse: Causes, Effects and Counselling Strategies in the Molyko community of Buea Sub-Division in Fako Division of the South West Region of Cameroon

This study sought to investigate youth‘s (15-30 years) knowledge on the causes, effects and remedies to drug abuse in the Molyko community of Buea Sub-Division in Fako Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. The study employed a cross-sectional research design with data analysed descriptively using percentages. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. A sample size of 360 youths was determined using the Cochran‘s formula using a Stratified Random Sampling technique and data was analysed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 26 and findings presented using bar charts, pie charts and frequency distribution tables. Most of the participants were male youths 291 (81%). The findings of the study revealed that, youths had adequate knowledge on drug abuse as the majority, 280 (78%) pointed out that drug abuse is the use of a drug, alcohol, or other chemical agent that may lead to social, occupational, psychological, or physical problems is drug abuse. Also findings showed that youths have moderate knowledge on the causes of drug abuse in the Molyko community as207(58%) could answer correctly. Equally, the findings revealed that youths had poor knowledge on the effects of drug abuse as only 90(25%) could identify some of the effects of drug abuse among youths. It was recommended that seminars should be organize by health authorities to educate youths on the dangers and how to reduce drug abuse in our society. Also, communities should also help to identify drug dependence individuals, and refer them to hospitals for treatment in order to prevent more complications.