substance abuse-psychotic induced disorders and physical

SUBSTANCE ABUSE: ITS PSYCHOTIC
INDUCED DISORDERS AND PHYSICAL,
BEHAVIOURAL AND COGNITIVE
EFFECTS AMONG EGERTON
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS NJORO,
CAMPUS
ANNASTACIAH NJERI KAMAU
Email address: [email protected]
EGERTON UNIVERSITIY
1
INTRODUCTION
• Substance Abuse is on the increase and the youth are abusing
substances which they do not know their consequences.
• According to NACADA (2011), the use of substances has spread fast
among the youth who are students in secondary schools and
universities which has become a source of worry in Kenya.
• Egerton University students are at adolescence stage which comes
with challenges such as identity crisis, self doubt, confusion, self
image issues, moral reasoning issues and physical developmental
challenges which if not handled well may result to use of drugs among
other disorders.
• There is an information gap about substance-induced psychotic
disorders and their effects among majority of people especially
among the youth.
2
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
• Substance abuse has been on the increase in the county where
illegal substances are trafficked and sold to the youth.
• Despite sensitization on substance abuse, the youth continue
abusing substances. A baseline survey carried out at Egerton
Univeristy (2009) showed that 90% of students had abused alcohol
compared to other drugs.
• The university is a place where adolescents congregate and
therefore there is peer influence, curiosity, experimentation,
enormous new found freedom, self governance and independence.
• The substances used may have affects on their physical, behavioral
and cognitive functioning and affect their psychological, social,
emotional functioning leading to poor academics, poor interpersonal
relationship, academic deferments, examination failure, disciplinary
cases and discontinuation of their studies due to lack of knowledge
on the effects of substance abuse.
3
• Since university students have not known some
of the Substance Induced Psychotic Disorder
symptoms and effects of substance abuse, they
have been known to seek counseling services
for effects they do not understand while some
associate them to cultural beliefs.
• There was therefore need for research to be
conducted to document the different
substances used, the substance induced
psychotic disorders symptoms and the physical,
behavioral and cognitive effects they may have
on students
4
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
i)
To establish the different substances abused
by Egerton University Students.
ii) To determine the substance-induced
psychotic disorders among Egerton University
students.
iii) To find out the extend of physical,
behavioural and cognitive effects of
substance abuse among Egerton University
students.
5
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
(i) What are the different substances abused by
Egerton University Students?
(ii)Are there substance induced psychotic
disorders arising from use of substances
among Egerton University students?
(iii)What are the physical, behavioural and
cognitive effects of substance abuse among
Egerton University Students?
6
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
• Findings of the study may reflect
1. The different types of substances abused in the
university
2. Create awareness on symptoms of substance induced
psychosis.
3. Awareness on effects on the physical, behaviour and
cognitive functioning.
4. University Management may know the age bracket,
gender and programme of study most affected by use of
the substances.
7
LIMITATIONS
• Since the study was confined to one university,
the findings from the study may only be
generalized to other universities with a lot of
caution due to different student culture and
their surrounding environment since each
university is unique in its own ways.
8
LITERATURE REVIEW
The study examined various literature done
by scholars having a bearing on this study.
It focused on
•Substance Abuse
•Classification of substance abuse and their
effects:
Stimulants, Depressants, Inhalants,Opiates
(Narcotics),Hallucinogens
(Psychedelics),Cannabis Sativa, Other drugs
(Over the Counter drugs)
9
•Psychotic disorders are mental illness causing
abnormal thinking and affects perception, thought
process, judgment, behaviour and communication
Mental disorders include
Hallucinations
•Auditory hallucinations (hearing things)
•Visual hallucinations (seeing things)
•Gustatory hallucinations (taste)
•Somatic hallucinations (feeling)
•Olfactory hallucinations (smell
Delusions
Paranoia (suspiciousness)
Grandiose (self importance)
Catatonia (disorganized behaviour)
10
•Effects of Substance abuse on the Physical,
Behavioral and Cognitive functioning depending on
different classification of substances
11
PARTICIPANTS
Population of the study was 6,417 students.
The study targeted only known users of
substance abuse. Purposive and Snowball
methods were used to get the participants.
The study utilized a descriptive survey. Peer
Counselors identified the users and the
Professional Counselors identified and referred
users to the researcher. All known
participants came from Njoro campus enrolled
in diploma, regular and self-sponsored
undergraduate degree programmes from year
one to year five of study. Male students 72
12
(72%) and female students 28 (28%).
INSTRUMENT AND DATA ANALYSIS
Data was collected by use of questionnaires
developed by the researcher. There were three
instruments used for Students, Peer Counselors
and Professional Counselors. The instruments
were validated and estimated for reliability using
Cronbach Alpha for internal consistency. A
coefficient alpha for students was 0.89, Peer
counselors 0.74 and Professional Counselors 0.72
was obtained. Data was analysed by use of
Statistical package for social science (SPSS)
13
version 17 for windows.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Demographic Characteristics Of Respondents
Table 1: Population of the Students
Gender
Male
Female
Total
Number
4,260
2,157
6,417
Percentage
66.4%
33.6%
100%
Source: Admissions Office, Egerton University
14
Table 2: Sample Distribution of Students by Faculty
Programme
Agriculture
Arts and Social
Sciences
Frequency
18
29
Percentage
18.0
29.0
Education and
Community Studies
18
18.0
Engineering and
Technology
14
14.0
Environment and
Resources Development
5
5.0
Health Sciences
2
2.0
Commerce
1
1.0
Science
13
13.0
Total
100
100
15
Table 3: Distribution of Students by Faculty and year
of study
FACULTY
YEAR OF STUDY
Year
1
Year
2
Year
3
Year
4
Year
5
Total
(%)
Agriculture
1
9
4
4
-
18
Arts and Social Sciences
7
11
8
4
-
30
Education and
Community Studies
2
6
7
2
-
17
Engineering and
Technology
0
6
2
2
4
14
Environment and
Resource Development
0
2
1
2
-
5
Health Sciences
1
0
0
1
-
2
Commerce
0
1
0
0
-
1
Science
2
3
6
2
-
13
13
38
28
17
4
100
Total
n=100
16
Table 4: Different substances abused by
Egerton University students
Students’ Responses on the Abused Stimulants
Stimulants
Amphetami
ne
Cocaine
Alcohol
Khat
Cigarettes
Tobacco
Kuberr
Frequenc
y
Percentage
of Abuse
%
Percentage of
Non Abuse of
categorized
stimulants
%
3
5
86
39
47
10
13
03.0
05.0
86.0
39.0
47.0
10.0
13.0
97.0
95.0
14.0
61.0
53.0
90.0
87.0
n = 100
17
Table 5: Student Counsellors’ Responses on the Stimulants most
abused among Students
Counselors
responses to
use of Stimulants
by students
Percentage
of abuse
And
Frequency
%
Percentage of
Counselors not
sure
And Frequency
%
Amphetamine
Cocaine
Alcohol
Tea
Coffee
Chocolate
Soft Drinks
Khat
Cigarettes
Tobacco
Kuberr
0.0
33.3(2)
100.0(6)
66.7 (4)
67.7 (4)
33.3 (2)
33.3 (2)
83.3 (5)
100.0 (6)
16.7 (1)
66.7 (4)
100.0(6)
66.7(4)
0.0
33.0(2)
33.3.(2)
66.7 (4)
66.7 (4)
16.7 (1)
0.0
83.3 (5)
33.3 (2)
n=6
18
Table6: Peer Counsellors’ Responses on the Use of Stimulants
among the Students
Peer
Counselors
responses on
abuse of
Stimulants by
students
Percentage and
frequency of Abuse
(yes)
%
Percentage and
Frequency of
Peer Counselors
not sure
%
Amphetamine
Cocaine
Alcohol
Tea
Coffee
Chocolate
n=41
Soft Drinks
Khat
Cigarettes
Tobacco
Kuberr
2.4 (1)
12.2(5)
97.6(40)
48.8 (20)
48.8(20)
14.6 (6)
2.4 (1)
14.6 (6)
85.4 (35)
26.8 (11)
22.0 (9)
97.6(40)
87.8(36)
2.4 (1)
51.2(21)
51.2(21)
85.4 (35)
97.6 (40)
85.4 (35)
14.6 (6)
73.2(30)
78.0 (32)
19
Table 7: Students’ Responses on Abuse of Cannabis
Sativa
Cannabis
Sativa
Percentage
of Abuse
%
Freque
ncy
Percent
age
of Non
Abuse
%
Percentag
e of
Non
Response
on use of
cannabis
%
Marijuana
Hashish
40.0
3.0
40
3
60.0
96.0
0.0
1.0
n = 100
20
Table 8: Student Counsellors Responses on the Abuse
of Cannabis Sativa by Students
Counselors
responses on Abuse
of
Cannabis Sativa by
students
Percentage and
Frequency of
Abuse
%
Percentage of
Counselors
never heard 0f
use of
cannabis
%
Marijuana
Hashish
100.0 (6)
16.7 (1)
0.0
83.3 (5)
Table 9: Peer Counsellors Responses on Cannabis Sativa Abuse among
Students
Peer Counselors
Responses on
Abuse of
Cannabis Sativa by
students
Marijuana
Hashish
Percentage and
Frequency of Abuse
%
Percentage of Peer
Counselors not
sure/heard of
cannabis use
%
58.5 (24)
2.4(1)
41.5 (17)
97.6 (40)
n=41
Table 10: Students’ Use of Over the Counter Drugs
OTC
Percentage
of Abuse
%
Frequency
Percentag
e of Non
Abuse
%
Percentage
of Non
Response
of use of
OTC
%
Panadol
Valium
Piriton
Celestamine
Dietary
Supplements
43.0
3.0
31.0
14.0
43
3
31
14
55.0
92.0
67.0
83.0
2.0
5.0
2.0
3.0
12.0
12
86.0
2.0
n =100
22
Table 11: Students Counsellors Responses on Abuse of Over the Counter Drugs
Student Counselors
responses on Abuse of
OTC drugs by students
Percentage and
Frequency of Abuse
%
Percentage and
Frequency of
Counselors never heard
of use of OTC %
Panadols
Valium
Piriton
Celestamine
Dietary supplements
66.7 (4)
33.2 (2)
66.7 (4)
33.3 (2)
33.3 (2)
33.3 (2)
66.7 (4)
33.3 (2)
66.7 (4)
66.7(4)
n=6
Table 12 : Peer Counsellors Responses on Abuse of Over the Counter Drugs by Students
Peer Counselors
Responses on abuse
of
OTC drugs by
students
Percentage and
Frequency of Abuse yes
%
Panadols
Valium
Piriton
Celestamine
Dietary supplements
43.9 (18)
2.4 (1)
53.7 (22)
4.9 (2)
12.2 (5)
Percentage and
Frequency of Peer
Counselors not
sure/heard of use of
OTC
%
56.1(23)
97.6 (40)
46.3 (19)
95.1 (39)
87.8 (36)
n=41
23
4.3 Substance-induced psychotic disorder among Egerton
University students
Table 13: Categorisation of Students as Per the Various Levels of
Induced Psychotic Disorders
Inventory Scale
Frequency
Percentages
%
Has no Induced Psychotic
Disorder
31
31.0
Has mild Induced Psychotic
Disorder
34
34.0
Has moderate Induced
Psychotic Disorder
19
19.0
Has severe Induced
Psychotic Disorder
14
14.0
2
2.0
100
100
No Response
Total
n = 100
24
4.4 Effects of substances abused on the physical,
behavioural and cognitive
Table 14:
Physical, Behavioural and Cognitive Effects of Alcohol Abuse
among University Students
Effects
Percentage
with
Effects
%
Frequency
Percentage
with non
effects
%
Percentage
of No
Responseon
effects
n=100
Being very talkative
Disorganized
behaviour
Restlessness
Confusion
Loss of Memory
Anxiety
Irregular sleeping
pattern
Tremors of hands,
tonque, eyelids
Headaches
Sexual dysfunction
Irritability
72.0
72
14.0
14.0
58.0
58
28.0
14.0
52.0
37.0
53.0
49.0
52
37
53
49
36.0
36
49.0
15.0
33.0
50.0
18.0
43.0
33
50
18
43
52.0
36.0
67.0
41.0
14.0
14.0
15.0
15.0
34.0
39.0
33.0
36.0
14.0
86.0
14.0
15.0
25
Table 15: Physical, Behavioural and Cognitive Effects of Caffeine
(Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Soft Drinks) among University Students
abuse
Effects
Percentage Frequency
with Effect
%
Percentage with
non Effects
no effect %
No
Response
on effects
%
Fatigue
Decreased feelings of wellbeing
Blurred vision
Stomach upsets
Drowsiness
Headaches
Nausea
Vomiting
Nervousness
Excitement
Lack of sleep
Muscle twitching
Restlessness
25.0
24.0
15.0
19.0
31.0
31.0
18.0
9.0
25.0
46.0
41.0
22.0
37.0
53.0
54.0
63.0
59.0
46.0
47.0
60.0
68.0
53.0
31.0
37.0
55.0
38.0
22.0
22.0
22.0
22.0
23.0
22.0
22.0
23.0
22.0
23.0
22.0
23.0
25.0
n=100
25
24
15
19
31
31
18
9
25
46
41
22
37
26
Table 16:
Physical, Behavioural and Cognitive Effects of Khat Abuse
among University Students
Effects
Gum infection
Teeth discoloration
Rapid heartbeat
Mouth sores
Irritability
Constipation
Loss of concentration
Irregular sleeping patterns
Memory loss
Hearing of voices
Uncontrolled semen release
Dental problems
Painful sexual intercourse
(for women)
High blood pressure
Percentage
with Effect
%
Frequency
Percentage
with non
Effects
%
no effect
No
Response
on
effects of
Khat
%
17.0
18.0
23.0
18.0
18.0
17.0
19.0
30.0
12.0
9.0
17
18
23
18
18
17
19
30
12
9
22.0
20.0
14.0
19.0
20.0
21.0
19.0
8.0
26.0
29.0
61.0
62.0
62.0
62.0
62.0
62.0
62.0
62.0
62.0
62.0
10.0
13.0
5.0
6.0
10
13
5
6
28.0
22.0
29.0
26.0
62.0
65.0
66.0
68.0
n=100
27
Cont. Table 17:
Physical, Behavioural and Cognitive Effects of Nicotine
Abuse among University Students (Tobacco, Cigarettes, Kuberr
Effects
Dizziness
Nausea
Increased heartbeat
Depressed mood
Irregular sleep patterns
Anxiety
Increased appetite
Seizures
Extreme thirst for a puff
Percentage
with Effect
%
Frequency Percentage
with non
Effects %
no effect
No Response
of effects of
nicotine
%
35.0
23.0
34.0
23.0
21.0
27.0
23.0
13.0
31.0
35
23
34
23
21
27
23
13
31
52.0
53.0
53.0
53.0
53.0
54.0
54.0
54.0
58.0
13.0
24.0
13.0
24.0
25.0
19.0
23.0
33.0
11.0
n=100
28
Table 18: Physical, Behavioural and Cognitive Effects of
Students (Marijuana, Hashish)
Effects
Impaired motor coordination
Euphoria
Laughter
Unusual feelings of power after a puff
Social withdrawal from friends
Sense of taste affected
Feelings of depression
Anxiety
Time moved very slowly
Impaired judgment
Suspiciousness
Hearing voices
Anxiety
Suicidal ideas
Irritability
n=100
Cannabis Sativa Abuse
Percentage
with Effect
%
Freque
ncy
Percentage
with non
Effects %
no effect
No
Response
of effects of
Cannabis
%
18.0
26.0
33.0
23.0
20.0
22.0
14.0
23.0
21.0
26.0
29.0
12.0
19.0
9.0
15.0
18
26
33
23
20
22
14
23
21
26
29
12
19
9
15
22.0
13.0
6.0
16.0
19.0
17.0
25.0
16.0
18.0
13.0
10.0
27.0
20.0
31.0
23.0
60.0
61.0
61.0
61.0
61.0
61.0
61.0
61.0
39.0
61.0
61.0
61.0
61.0
61.0
62.0
29
Table 21: Physical, Behavioural and Cognitive Distribution of Students Effects
on Abuse of OTC Drugs
Effects
Dependence
Headaches
Mood swings
Sexual dysfunction
Irregular sleeping patterns
Percentage
with Effect
Percentage
with non
Effects
no effects
No
Response
of effects
of OTC
Cumulative
Percentage
28.0
27.0
16.0
11.0
25.0
32.0
33.0
44.0
48.0
34.0
40.0
40.0
40.0
40.0
41.0
100
100
100
100
100
n=100
Table 22: Students Counsellors Responses on Physical, Behavioural and
Cognitive Effects of Substance Abuse Among University Students
Counselors
Answers
Physical, behavioral or cognitive
Effects
n=6
Percentage
%
100.0
Frequency
6
30
Table 26: Student Counsellors’ Responses on Substance Abuse Pr
Measures in the University
Preventive Measures
Percentage and
Frequency of
Counselors
response of (yes)
%
Percentage and
Frequency of
Counselors
response of (no)
%
Public Lectures on Substance abuse
Substance Abuse Support Groups
Seminars on Substance Abuse
Are there policies on Substance Abuse
Rehabilitation services in the University
Treatment of Substance Abuse
Curricular on Substance Abuse
Drug and Substance Abuse Resource
Centre
Are there referral services for abusers
Are there recreational activities for drug
abusers
83.3 (5)
16.7(1)
66.6 (4)
66.7 (4)
16.7 (1)
0.0(6)
33.3(2)
16.7 (1)
83.3 (5)
33.3 (2)
33.3(2)
83.3 (5)
100.0 (6)
66.7 (4)
33.3(2)
66.7(4)
33.3 (2)
66.7 (4)
33.3(2)
66.7(4)
n=6
31
5.3 Conclusions
1. There is substance abuse among Egerton university
students where alcohol, cannabis sativa and over the
counter medicines are the most abused.
2. There are symptoms of substance induced psychosis
among Egerton
university students who abuse
substances.
3. Cognitive effects were the most outstanding effects
followed by behavioural and physical effects among
Egerton University Students.
4. More preventive measures are needed to curb substance
abuse among Egerton university students.
32
5.4. Recommendations
1. There is need for more drug and substance abuse
awareness workshops and seminars on different
substances abused by Egerton university students.
2. Introduction of compulsory unit on drugs and substance
abuse as a common core course in the curriculum of the
university.
3. There is need for organising substance induced psychotic
disorder seminars and workshop for both staff and
students.
4. There is need for Substance Abuse Induced Psychotic
Disorder training for the counsellors and all the service
providers of the students so that they may be able to
differentiate a substance induced disorder from a general
medical psychiatric condition for ease of treatment and
intervention.
33
5. There is need for awareness campaigns on different
categories of drugs and their effects on the body for
all students and staff of Egerton University.
7. Implementation of alcohol and drug abuse policies
for Egerton University.
34
8. More support on the role of guidance and counselling
in curbing substance abuse among Egerton university
students needs to be improved through:
- introduction of substance abuse support groups
- a Introduction of treatment of Substance abuse in
the university
- training counsellors on treatment of outpatient
students
- Introduce rehabilitation program for drug addiction.
- On the job training on rehabilitation of those affected
35
SUGGESTIONS FOR
FURTHER RESEARCH
1. Factors contributing to use of over the counter drugs
among Egerton university students.
2. Causes of Egerton university students use of substance
abuse in different years of study.
3. Factors contributing to Substance Abuse Induced
Psychosis on different category of substances.
4. Nationwide survey on substance abuse induced
psychosis among university students.
5. A study on why students from specific faculties abuse
drugs.
36