Substance abuse by rural high school students: a case study of one high school in Mutasa District Situated In Rural Zimbabwe

The study sought to identify how rural high school students are prone to substance abuse as compared to abuse by urban high school students. A research was conducted at a high school in rural areas. The target population was 1320 boys and girls at this high schopl. A sample of 132 boys and girls was selected. The study identified riskfactors associated with substance abuse, the consequences of substance abuse by students at the high school in forms 1-6. The implications of the findings for a large rural high school are discussed. Recommendations are put forward and these were advocating for the execution of a protracted and comprehensive educational programme of substance abuse by students. Prevention and reduction measures are advocated for where the entire community actively participates. Key words: Alcohol, substance abuse, risk factors, tolerance, withdrawal, students.

A ZJER study highlighting the incidence of substance abuse among rural secondary school students.