Assessing the effects of substance abuse on crimes among the motorcyclists in Ntoroko district

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of substance abuse on crimes among motorcyclists in Ntoroko district. It focused on identifying the different forms of substances commonly abused among the motorcyclists, identifying crimes committed by motorcyclists and their effects due to substance abuse, establishing factors that influence substance abuse among motorcyclists and lastly on control measures against substance abuse in Ntoroko district. The study was influenced by the phenomenon that despite of all efforts by government, non government organizations and civil society organizations in reducing the effects of substance abuse and crimes among motorcyclist in Ntoroko district, the crimes committed by motorcyclists in the study area were increasing. The study used two approaches of qualitative and quantitative research methods, which were used to generate data. The quantitative method focused on assessing the effects of substance abuse on crimes among motorcyclists, while the qualitative approach was used to analyze non-numerical statements of respondents, especially their views, perceptions and attitudes towards study. The research used both primary and secondary data sources, whereby the primary data was collected using a questionnaire for quantitative data, whereas for qualitative data, it was Focus Group Discussions, key informants and in-depth interview guides. Secondary data was also accessed through reading text books, reports and journals. The study findings concluded that indeed substance abuse had a negative contribution on the livelihoods of motorcyclists in Ntoroko district. Looking at the first specific objective of identifying the different forms of substances commonly abused among the motorcyclists in Ntoroko district, it was revealed that alcohol, cigarettes, khat/miraa/mairungi and cannabis (marijuana) were mostly abused. With regard to the second objective of finding out the crimes committed by motorcyclists due to substance abuse, the research revealed that road traffic accidents, public fighting, domestic violence, defilement and rape, theft, robbery were among the crimes committed by motorcyclists which may later lead to mental illness, poverty STIs and deaths. As regards to the third objective which was to establish factors that influence substance abuse among motorcyclists, it was revealed that the major factors that influence substance abuse includes: peer pressure, courage, presence of drugs and depression. And in regard to the last objective of identifying control measures against substance abuse in Ntoroko district, it was found out that the control measures identified included: policy implementation, health promotion services and treatment of the sick. Other control measures identified were: formation of income generating activities and collaboration with working agencies like NGOs/CBOs. Basing on the he findings Ntoroko district local government, working with communities, motorcycle associations; NGOS/CBOs in conjunction with Central government should put strategies and implement the policy against substance abuse. Ntoroko district should formulate bye-laws, regularly monitor the health status of the motorcyclists and other people engaged in substance abuse. Eradication of substance abuse is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders (communities, local leaders, NGOS/CBOs, associations, Law enforcement Officers, Community Development Officer, District Health Office and religious leaders)