THE EFFECT OF SUBSTANCE USE ON STREET CHILDREN. CASE STUDY IN CENTRAL WARD MBALE CITY.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of substance use and street children in Central ward, Mbale City Uganda. This research intention was to establish the impact of substance/drug use among street children. The study objectives included; to find out the effects of opioids on street children in Central ward Mbale City; to ascertain the effect of sedatives on street children in central ward of Mbale city; to find out the stimulants on street children in central ward of Mbale city. Cross Sectional research Design was used in which qualitative research approach was utilized. The study sample size was 62 members was main target instead the investigator was able to get 40 respondents. The respondents were chosen using simple random sampling and purposive sampling. Key informant interview and interview guides were utilized as the data collection instruments. The study revealed that, there were many negative effects of opioids use, sedative use on street children and stimulants on street children were highlighted i.e. yes, overdose leads to unconsciousness since street children use excess opioids, Yes, Tolerance leads to addiction in some street children using the opioids. However, Being drug-tolerant could be a warning sign for you to be careful. Dangers of opioids among street children are suicide, trauma, and diseases like liver cancer, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. To control opioids use, sedative use and stimulants among street children, government should put in place interventions for instance more street children should be involved in research and program development is vital, resist peer pressure, Understanding what sedatives are and their long-term effects, and the signs of abuse. Longitudinal studies should be conducted on the same topic because the researcher used a cross-sectional study which does not allow analysis of trends of how substance use has been affecting street children in Mbale