Influence of Personal and Parental Religiosity on Drug Use among College Students in a Christian Based University
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Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Clinical Psychology
Abstract
Alcoholism and drug abuse among college students are becoming an increasing problem in the
world today according to many studies. Many of these young people eventually get addicted to
drugs and alcohol which adversely affect their academic performance as well as posing a threat
to their own health and safety, while creating a great economic burden on their families and
society at large. An individual’s participation in religious activities has been associated with
decreased risky behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Studies have largely focused on
the role of the individual’s religiosity in delaying risky behaviors such as drug use and sexual
indulgence. However, there seems to be scanty literature of analysis on specific indicators of
religiosity against drug use. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of
personal religiosity indicators on drug use among college students. Multistage stratified random
sampling technique was used in the selection of participants. In total, 905 participants responded
to a self-administered questionnaire. Composite variables for individual and parental religiosity
were developed and analyzed through descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. A higher level
of personal religiosity was associated with lower drug prevalence. Higher personal religiosity
(religious affiliation, active participation in church activities, and whether the correspondent
spent free time worshiping) showed lower substance use. Indicators of parent religiosity had no
direct significant influence on substance us. In conclusion, indicators of personal religiosity were
associated with low drug use. Therefore, institutions can implement multiple forums and
strategies that would ensure increased engagement in religious activities that go beyond chapel
attendance and “born again” status. Similarly, the role of institutional religiosity cannot be
undermined and implementing similar strategies would increase the level of religiosity among
adolescents and subsequently reduce drug use.
Description
Keywords
Religiosity, Drug use, Bio-ecological theory, Risky behavior, University students
Citation
Karau, J., Onyango, M., & Ngondi, R. (2018). Influence of Personal and Parental Religiosity on Drug Use among College Students in a Christian Based University. African Journal of Clinical Psychology 2(1).