Measures to Curb Drugs Abuse among Primary School Learners in the Hhohho Region of Eswatini

Abstract

The study employed the qualitative approach which followed the exploratory research design to explore the measures to to curb drug abuse. The exploratory research allowed the researches to conduct focused group discussion with 20 primary school learners and in-depth interview with nine teachers and one head teacher from one primary school to explore their general attitudes, views, opinions, feelings and understanding of measures to curb drug abuse. Data was presented and analysed using the thematic analysis method. The study was guided by Bronfenbrenner’s 1989 Ecological Systems Theory. The following themes to curb drug abuse emerged from the analysis: media campaigns targeting young people; extensive peer education by guidance and counselling and life skills education; involvement of community leaders discouraging learners in dagga farming; stiffer penalties from the justice system.

Keywords: drug abuse, primary school, learner, ecological systems theory

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-24-01

Publication date: December 31^st 2019