Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DESSERTATION Hananasifu Final
DESSERTATION Hananasifu Final
REGION
SOCIAL WORK
2013
ii
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned certifies that she has ready and hereby recommends for acceptance
drug abuse among the children in Kinondoni District, in Dar es Salaam Region,
…………………………………………..
( Supervisor )
…………………………………………..
Date
iii
COPY RIGHT
This dissertation is copyright material protected under the Berne Convention, the
Copyright Act 1999 and other international and national enactments, in that behalf on
except for short extracts for fair dealings, research or private study, critical scholarly
School of Graduate Studies, on behalf of both the author and the Open University of
Tanzania.
iv
DECLARATION
I, Aisia Sombiro Matowo, declare that this dissertation is my own original work and
it has not been submitted for any degree or equivalent award in any College or
……………………................……….
Signature
……………………................……….
Date
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DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to my beloved husband Mr. Liberatus Kileki Mrema and my
children Godfrey, Billy, Hariet, Catherine and Norah, for encouraging and giving me
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
There are many people and institutions that my thanks are due for their assistance,
they have provided to me in the process of doing this work. However a few
return them on time. Also Mr. Saidi Nganya, Acting Secretary of Mkunguni Ward
and Head of Mkunguni Street, Mrs Susan Yeyela, Secretary of Mkunguni Street and
Issa Mtaula – Youth Chairman of Mkunguni Street, for their assistance and support
which enabled me to collect the required information from the family members and
children who abuse drugs. Also my most particular gratitude is due to all my
me theoretical party of food population and gender, Dr. Mwami A, Dr. Mabeyo Z
and Dr. Mvungi A. who provided me with the basic foundation for this study.
children Godfrey, Billy, Hariet, Catherine and Norah for their support and
encouragement they gave me throughout my studies. Last but not least, special
thanks to all the people whose names are not mentioned in this acknowledgement.
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ABSTRACT
The study involved the investigation of the causes, effects and remedi of drug abuse
Tanzania. A case research strategy wa because the investigation involved a real life
problem which canno distanced from the main agents and therefore it was important
to identify which could fulfill the research objectives or answer the researci
of questionnaire.
The data obtained were presented by u histograms, and frequency polygons. Data
were analyzed and interpret based on the patterns reflected by the statistics. The
statistical pa debated and challenges to the current practices and the following ‘ every
for socialization amongst family members contril abuse among children, drug abuse
among children can start as early a years of age. It was concluded that drug abuse can
that it has been recommended that children should go to school roaming around, be
involved in sports to avoid idling, be selective in inte peers and be inspired with
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATION ....................................................................................................... ii
DECLARATION ........................................................................................................ iv
DEDICATION ............................................................................................................ v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................ vi
1.0. INTRODUCTION:......................................................................................... 1
2.3.5. Routes of administering and effects of drug abuse among children .............. 23
REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 78
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PENDECIES ............................................................................................................. 80
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 7: Specific Age for Starting Drug Abuse Among Children ...................... 53
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 4.1: A Photograph Showing a Child Preparing Cannabis for Selling to the
Customers ............................................................................................. 52
Figure 4.5. Distribution of Parents and Children on Effect of Abusing Drugs ....... 62
Figure 4.8. Methods of Prevention of Drug Abuse Among the Children ............... 73
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NO - Number
THC - Tetrahydrocannibanol
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
The concept of “drug” has been defined as any chemical substance which affect
living organism. Such a substance may be used to fight infections and illness or
WHO (1952) defined “drugs” as any substances that when taken into a living body
On the other hand “drug abuse” has been defined as any use of drugs for non-
medical purposes almost always for altering consciousness. Drug abuse denotes
substances that change the mental or physical state of a person and that may be used
repeatedly for that effect leading to abnormality. WHO defined “Drug dependence”
continuous basis in order to experience its psychic effect and sometimes to avoid the
However, experience shows that drug abuse has been on the medical and non-
medical drug which is the concern of this study. The difference ought to be made to
avoid any confusion that might be related with that. For the medical drugs, using
them without prescription of the medical personnel or using them contrary to the
For example some people use symptoms of diseases as a means of buying and using
different drugs or for quicker recovery as some think, they use drugs not as
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prescribed by the doctors, i.e. use drugs for four times instead of three times or three
times instead of two times per day. For the non-medical or illicit drugs, they include
heroin, cocaine, cannabis, opium etc. When these are used it is said that drugs are
abused because their uses are not for the purposes of treating, preventing and
Also alcoholism from the medical point of view indicates a disease caused by
with their smooth social and economic functioning or showing signs of such
development.
In a nutshell alcohol like the other drug abuses, affect the quality of the peoples lives
and affect people in both developed and developing countries. Alcoholism and drug
abuse are a growing problem in Tanzania affecting people at different levels and
groups including street children, prostitutes, the youth, men and women. Ironically
drug abuse is no longer a problem confined to the slums and streets children in the
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urban centres but also in schools, prisons and the rural areas. In this view drug
abuses affect almost everybody in the society but the most vulnerable group is the
children between ten and under eighteen years which is the concern of this study.
Drug abuse is one of the social problems that affects everyone, everywhere, either
directly or indirectly and children are no exception. (Mabeyo, 2010:8). Drug abuse
attraction may be cultivated from early beginning of children lives, either indirectly
during pregnancy life or directly during post natal life. The interaction theory centers
around the assumption that through interaction with peers and social learning is when
the child learns by his own will on how to use drugs and other anti-social behavior
which is in the surrounding environment where the child lives, (Possi, 1996:118)
mentioned that the learning theory “holds that opportunities for a person to use
drugs are generated by his association with the users. Thus a person finds support
and various reinforcing agents from his peers and becomes a member in the group.
usage is part of the expected behavior, along with certain tasks in music, clothes and
leisure activities.” However “A child is any human being below the age of eighteen
Drug is any medical or chemical substance that when taken into the body by any
means causes a change in the body. (Kilonzo,1996:70). Drug abuse is the sporadic
or persistence excessive use of any chemical or substance for any reason other than
its acceptable medical purposes which may lead to dependence on drugs has been
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behavioral and other responses that always include a compulsion to take the drug on
individual functioning, child has to experience one or more of four symptoms related
That is failure to meet obligation of going to school or home, having legal problems
like arrested for public intoxication, interpersonal problems like fighting with
schoolmates, giving out bad words, etc. Use of one or more substances to meet the
intended goal, withdrawal symptoms, that is when one is not using the substance he
gets effects such as shakes pain, diarrhea and sniffing. Unsuccessful efforts to cut
down decrease of usual activities and to continue use despite of persistence physical
History of drug abuse is an old as that of mankind itself. Human beings have always
had a desire to eat or drink substances that make them feel relaxed, stimulated or
euphoric. The discovery of fermentation and farming since 6000BC is when people
started to use drugs. The first drug to be abused was homemade alcohol wine and the
level could read up to 14-16%. It was used in religious rites and children were given
too in their Holly Communion. Other drugs were used for legitimate purposes,
Drug abuse started to be high through various experimentation and people diverted
The Simerian people of Asia minor used joy plant which is believed to be opium
in India in 2000BC and Americans were used to chew coca leaves thus by the end of
sixteenth century drugs like cocaine, tobacco, cannabis, hallucinogen and narcotics
were used globally even in Africa whereby Egypt and Tanganyika were both noted.
However recognizing the effects was noted and restriction or limit to abuse and legal
code regulate the provision and use but the problem still goes high.
Social workers in the USA assisted addicted individuals and families since earliest
leader called abusing of drugs a disease therefore needs treatment and she developed
alcoholism centers and children welfare centre for treatment for abusers.
abuse problems at that time were confirmed in mental institutions, jails or prisons
because social work profession knows very little on how to treat them or had little
interest in helping them. As time goes by 1970’s more social work professionals
entered in the field of addiction and the number of hospitals and institutions were
situation children seems to be the target as the new market for drug industry locally
and globally do consume drugs just like adults without knowing the consequences of
using drugs. In 1992 president Nixon of USA called for a war on drug abuse as 89%
of the children were using drugs. Also the number of children of ages 13-17
involved in drug abuse overwhelmingly increased and the reasons being peer
In northern Myanmar the second largest producer of opium and heroin addicted
parents abandoned their children and thus compelling the elder brothers or sisters to
take the responsibility of caring of the younger ones in the family (UNODC 2006:1).
Some children mostly orphans get schooling and food from their communities. In
Northern Shan State on the border in China, some children live with their
grandparents because of their parents are serving long sentences in prisons for selling
stated that “Although leaders may agree to reduce the worldwide production and
Africa more than 10 million of street children spend greater part of the day on streets,
the worse consequences of street children is the use of drugs and transmission of
HIV and AIDS and other sexual transmitted diseases. (UNODC 2006:14) This was
start to experiment drugs as young as 8 years old. They start using drugs so as to fit
In Tanzania exactly data are lacking, (Posi, 1996:128) but it is estimated that one
third of Tanzanians aged 12 years and above regularly use tobacco, cannabis and
other substances like khat, inhalers and injecting drugs is about 5%. Also selling and
using of drugs among children is an offense however, out of ignorance and lack of
exposure to law or not knowing the consequences of using drugs, children find
themselves violating the laws and hence are arrested and fined or spend their
precious time in remand homes and approved schools. In addition (Kilonzo, 2003:44)
mentioned that reasons for increase in number of drug abusers is due to easy
availability and accessibility of drugs which are in transit from the surrounding land
locked countries like Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda and Burundi. Measures to control
drug abuse in Tanzania go back to 1926 when the cultivation of noxious plants
(prohibition) cap 34 was enacted for the purpose of prohibiting the cultivation of
However the Dangerous Drug Acts of 1938 cap 95 consolidated the law regulating
the importation, exportation, manufacturing, sale and use of opium and substances
and to make further and better provision for the control of external trade of
students of form II and III revealed that minority of both male and female students
were using drug and common drug abused by those students are cigarette, marijuana
and alcohol and the reasons for using those mentioned drugs is availability and
cheapness of drugs. (Mndeme, 2006:ix). Also research which has been carried out in
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teenagers suffering from drug addiction, which amount to three thousand five
hundred and fifty one (3,551),, Ilala two thousand one hundred and twelve (2,121)
and in Temeke nine hundred and twenty one (921). These teenagers are jobless and
rejected by their families and society at large. They trained them to be security
In addition on looking to the problem of drug abuse locally and globally and
measures which have been taken to solve the problem, there are some well known
risk nevertheless children continue to abuse drugs and such abuses continues to tear
down their lives. Therefore there is a need of using “Modernity” ways of solving the
problem rather than relying on immediate short run solution. It need investigation by
visiting the individual drug users, the groups and communities at large and interview
them thus they can give out their experiences in response to their environments or
circumstances and come out with social diagnosis which will help in provision of
doing so social workers will manage to solve the problem of drug abuse among the
children by using African theory which has been groomed from their own locality
provide exact figures on the magnitude of this problem, (Possi, 1996:178). Problems
associated with drug abuse include among others, significant morbidity and
9
children. In addition, report from Prime Minister’s Office (2005:1) mentioned that
Tanzanian Government has laid down strategies which will be used to minimize the
The strategies have been categorized into long term and short term. Long term
sellers and provision of health education and treatment for the addicts. Short term
strategies lie on doing frequent operations in areas which grow illicit drugs and
burning of illicit plants. On looking to the above theories and knowledge, there is a
strong need of solving the problem of drug abuse among the children by going direct
to the users that are individuals, groups, communities and society at large,
interviewing them and develop theory and knowledge basing from the results of
interviews rather than relying on knowledge borrowed from western countries which
Also according to the study which has been carried out at Kinondoni Municipality
and Zanzibar earmarked that children from age 10 – 19 years uses cigarette, alcohol
and sniffing cannabis and the reason for first use is acceptance curiosity enjoyment,
health stress relief, hunger fatigue, religious customs and sex boosting. Mdeme,
quoted police antidrug unit (2002:34). This study sought to look at children abusing
drugs and come out with the causes, effects and remedial measures which will assist
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in drugs informing individual, group and community at large so that they can avoid
abusing.
1.4. Objectives
Main objective
The main objective of this study was to explore the causes and effects and
recommend remedial measures that can help to solve the problem of drug abuse.
Specific Objectives
To find out the impacts of drug abuse among children in Kinondoni District.
Kinondoni District.
i. What are the causes of drugs abuse among children at Kinondoni District?
ii. What are the effects of drug abuse among children at Kinondoni District?
iii. What are the probable remedial measures that can be engaged in controlling
psychiatrists, policy makers and NGO’s which dealing with drug abuse.
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organizations working with children to address the causes that compel children to
misuse drugs.
The study is expected to show the effects of misuse of drugs and thus stimulate
Some of the target children are found in dangerous groups and precarious
geographic locations. Moreover, the majority of them are petty thieves and
with the local leaders who can provide escort and ascertain security to the
researcher.
The children have their own colloquial languages and terminologies which have to
be learnt speedily, in order to cope with them during the interview process. The
researcher managed to learn the language used by children during the pretest. Some
common Swahili words such as (“kuyoyoma”) which means the actual taking of
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drugs; Cannabis (ganja in Swahili), chasing, the actual taking of heroin. Heroin is
(sukari guru) in Swahili), (Arosto) denotes withdrawal which means the client is in
need of some more heroine to curb the craving and pain, red eyes which means the
child has used cannabis. Also the drug abusers have common ideas “Noma Uione
wewe” means they do not feel shy, shyness is on the side of the observer, therefore
they can do anything they wish to without fear of being arrested and punished.
Due to the fact that most of the children, are at primary schools at their early ages it
was difficult for them to understand the research guiding questions involved in
interview process and then took a lot of time to educate and to interview individual
children. The elimination to this was that the researcher explained about the subject
matter to the participants prior to the main stream research fieldwork and continued
to make the questions clear to the respondents (where) the answers were not
satisfactory.
Conclusively despite the mentioned above limitations the researcher was able to
make necessary such as probing for more information and sharpening of the guiding
CHAPTER TWO
2.1. Introduction
This chapter is concerned with reviewing and revisiting various literatures related to
drug abuse among the children. It gets background information from books, journals,
articles and newspapers. Broad information was needed to describe clearly the
nature and extent of the problem of drug abuse among the children..
which shows how things work in terms of ideas. In this study two theoretical
approaches were applied. These have been the interactions’ and learning theories.
(Passer, 2001).
influence everything in the society. Interactions’ theory focuses on family and other
observing how they interact with other members of the family. Also interaction’s
family plays its role of socializing children, according to the norms and values of a
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given society. Interaction’s theory observes how children act according to the norms
and values of their society. By using interaction’s theory, the researcher was able to
find out how children interact with the members of their respective families and other
The researcher investigated how parents and the society at large plan for social
interaction among children from 10 to less than18 years in order to leave no leeway
for drug use. Concepts used by interaction’s theory gave the researcher opportunity
to view children and people in society by looking at social changes; social position
and their parents on drug abuse, and how their parents communicate such knowledge
to their children.
George (2005) argued that families manipulate their roles of socializing and caring
for children according to their cultural norms and values and leaves the children to
learn from peer groups through interaction, without the families being aware of what
This was supported by Mead (2005) who argued that people respect laws by basing
on the past experience of what happened in the society. That means if there is no
punishment or stated laws which the children and their parents, must follow, children
and their parents will not know whether they are correct or incorrect and this makes
the children use drugs as they are not aware of the laws regarding use and sell of
illicit drugs. Also this makes the family members to be irresponsible due to lack of
15
whatever they like without limitation or close supervision from their families.
Interaction’s theory helped the researcher to find out how children interact and learn
Salaam Regional. Hananasif Ward was picked because it is the leading area in terms
of drug abuse in Dar es Salaam. The research anticipated to identify the relationship
idealistically solid and the family members are accountable to one another and the
law of the country pertaining to drug abuse are known among the family members
and there is adequate room for social interaction among the family members, there is
little chance of having children with drug abuse affinity within such family. This
study agreed with this interactionist’s assertion and thus took it on board in guiding
techniques.
behavior through learning. It occurs when children observe the behavior of model.
Through observation, children learn that by using drugs they can get pleasure out of
it, just like an adult who uses the drugs. That means through apprenticeship system
that is watching and learning from the master. Observation learning can be highly
adaptive by others, by learning through model that uses drugs. Language whether
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verbal or non-verbal plays a great role in modeling. It plays the role of teaching how
For example cannabis is known as stick or leaves, cocaine is known brown sugar,
and ecstasy is known as beautiful lady. John Lock (2001) said that “the human mind
is initially white paper, void of all characters without any ideas” from the
environment where the children learn how to use drugs and other antisocial behavior.
He also said that human beings are born as a tabularasa – a blank tablet and then
Children belong to the family, they are supposed to abide to the norms and rules of
the family, meanwhile the family has some accountabilities to ensure that the child
develop and grows with comprehensive education. Failure of the families to send
their children to school or poor attendance to school may likely develop deviant
By using behaviorism theory the researcher was able to see how children learn
different behaviors from the environment including the use of drugs. This notion
assumes that if family members as well as the other makers of children’s behaviour
like peers, teachers and guardians are well mannered, morally responsible and
accountable, there will very slim chance of coming up with children who abuse
drugs. The core of interaction’s theory is the family socializations and relationships
the combination of the children’s random collection of family model behaviours and
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the external inspirations from the social surroundings. This study combined the two
theories to form the stage on which the theoretical frameworks as well as data
on three successful years by the same respondents in England showed that nearly
three-fourth of the sample population had been exposed to situations in which drugs
have been available. Half of the sample population surveyed has tried illicit drugs at
some points of their lives, and more were expected to do so, while one in five was a
current user. At age of 14 years, 38% of girls used illicit drugs at least once, and this
figure rose to 49% by the age of 16 years (UNDCP, 1997)1 Similarly, a survey
conducted in Czech Republic on problem of drug users indicated that 37% of the
new users were youths ranging from 15-19 years. Furthermore, in the Slovak capital
of Bratislava almost 50% of the registered drug addicts were between the ages of 15
and 19 years (UNDCP, 1997). In the USA, the use of cannabis and cocaine among
students doubled between 1991 and 1994, with the average age of initiation into
cannabis use being at 13.9 years (UNDCP, 1997). Drugs abuse in particular heroine
students aged 15-16 years reported to have used cannabis(Plant et al.,1985). Youth
1
As cited by Mdeme (2004: 11), Parental factors associated with drug use among the youths attending the
psychiatric unit at Muhimbili National Hospital.
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all over the world use drugs and research findings indicate that in all of the youths
years old have used drugs at least once in 12 months period. This is more than 15
million people in comparison with statistics taken in the year 2004. Cannabis
(Bhangi) is drug used in the world giving about 160 million or 4% of global
people use cocaine. In spite of the statistics given above drug abuse globally involves
cannabis (Bhangi) as drug that fetches the biggest number of users followed by
heroin and lastly cocaine. The drug users that needed treatment were as follows:
year 2003. In Latin America, cocaine gave 59% while cannabis held 64% of users
The mostly used drug in Africa is cannabis which gives over 34 million users.
Cannabis is a plant which is planted and transported illegally, (Report from Drug
Commission, 2005:19).
Cocaine is mostly used in urban and in most tourist centres within the South and
West African countries. In spite of laws use in Africa heroine still fetches people
who inject themselves or sniff it. Also drugs meant for human beings (including
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pethedine, morphine and diazepam), continue being stolen from the legal purposes
and in turn enter into the illegal users. There is a high demand of amphetamines
China to South Africa. Also in South Africa there is more use of stimulant drug
stimulant and in 2004 Egypt justified the beginning of production and use of ecstasy
drug in Northern Africa. Khat is abused by chewing the stems; and is reported to be
produced in Democratic Republic of Yemen. Djibouti, Kenya and the United Arab
Emirates. Also some parts of East Africa produce khat. It is commonly used by long
distance lorry drivers and some students who want to read for longer periods so as to
keep them awake, (Drug Abuse Report, 2005:1). Uganda common drug abused by
children under 8 years is “kuberi” and cigarette and the reason for using them is due
to imitating from other pupils who are drug abusers and availability and lack of law
was reported to be at the peak between 1990 and 1995. Common drug abused in
is lower as compared to 2003 and 2004 where 600 tons were collected in 2003, 800
tons in 2007 and 100 tons in 2005 and the number of arrested people in 2003 was
2000”, (The National Drug Report, 2005:6). Another type of drug abuse is Catha
compared to 2004, This shows low production of khat (10 tons in 2003, 8 tons in
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2004 and 2 tons in 2005). Also there is a little follow up of this because the effects
are minimal and the business have low returns/little profits. (The National Drug
Report, 2005:6). Khat, is followed by heroin in 2005 the number of people arrested
decreased compared to 2004 which means there was a proper government control
than 2004, where 12,000 kg were collected in 2004 and 11,000kg in 2005 (ibid:6).
Big portion of the global heroin (87%) was produced in Afghanistan in 2003. This
drug was also produced in South East Asia, (World Drug Report, 2005:2).
In 2005 in Tanzania there was decrease of use of cocaine compared to 2004. The
collected cocaine shows that 7.5 kg in 2001, 2.5kg in 2002, 2kg in 2003, 2.5kg in
2004 and 1.5kg in 2005 (The National Drug Report, (2005:6). Cocaine which is
globally being used is produced from Columbia (50%), Peru 32% and Bolivia (15%),
and cocaine avails 14 million users in the world of which (1/3) one third of users are
from Africa, (World Drug Report, 2005:2). Least drug used as a drug abuse was
the effective control in previous year 2004 (0.5 kilogram mandrax) was collected in
Causes of abusing drugs can be categorized into two parts i.e. internal and external
causes. Under internal causes, it depends on the nature of drug and the personality.
the individual and his or her personality which may increase or decrease the
vulnerability to drug abuse, and the characteristics of the drug consumed, (Grant,
1990:103).
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Many psycho active drugs have the capacity to induce the user a very strong habit
that makes further use difficult to avoid. For example, cigarette smoking
and the number increases as time goes and at last he/she becomes dependent on
Drug compulsions are the most important common factors shared by all types of
drugs whether opiate, depressant and stimulant or nicotine. After drug dependence an
individual develops tolerance, that means, any drug given to the individual reacts less
and this is very common to heroin. The individual may each day be taking more and
more so as to reach the lethal dose and this leads to withdrawal symptom which can
be relieved or avoided if the person takes further dose of the drugs. (Grant,
1990:108).
experiment drugs. Children are at risk for widespread problems such as drug abuse,
childhood pregnancy and sexual transmitted disease, including HIV and AIDS, (Hill
et al, 1992:29).
Mndeme (2004:17) quoting Kilonzo (et al...2001) noted that in Tanzania, parents
have more many things to do than parenting their own children and as a result their
families lack parental guidance and supervision. A situation that may lead youths to
engage into negative practices such as anti-social behavior and drug abuse.
22
Hogan (1996:39) argues that in Tanzania families have failed to play their roles
because of feeling shame, religious beliefs and ignorance. This situation made
as drug abuse and drug trafficking knowing that their families will say nothing
Also Yovin, (Seminar Paper 2007) said in his study that Tanzania is estimated to
have 300,000 people who are drug abusers and among those 50,000 are young with a
starting age of 15 years. The common drugs abused are cannabis 70%, heroin and
cocaine 18%; khat 3%, other drugs 9%, etc. With regards to the above statement,
there is no doubt that abuse of drugs among the children is at an increase as days go
by and therefore something must be done in order to lessen the situation. The
situation however can get worse as number of street children is on the increase, more
people engage in this business and there is low enforcement of our laws.
Abusing of drugs can be induced by peer pressure, curiosity, low prices and its
availability, personality traits and age, (Kilonzo 1996:88). Peer pressure has
frequently been identified as a cause of initial drug use. Friends and associates
encourage their friends to engage in drug taking. Such encouragement often appears
convinced that drugs are safe, attractive, beneficial or prestigious before they engage
in using drug. This gives them moral of departure from anti-drug to drug use and
leave what they have been told by their parents and other authority persons, about not
23
to use drugs because they are dangerous to their health. The injectors of heroin begin
smoking heroin in hang out areas with their friends because of peer pressure or
trickery. A hang out place is referred to as “getto” and it is the main place where the
organization and rules governing heroine use are established (Leshabari, 2005).
Some children use drug and drug abuse out of curiosity. This means they like to taste
and see how they look like after use and at the end they become addicts and start to
One of major causes of drug use and drug abuse is the easy availability and low
such as diazepam. Also those who grow opium their children are prone to develop
opium dependence, (Gassop and Grant, 1990). Drug abuse has been attributed to
socialization process, Mbatia (1996:37) and Grant (1990) mentioned that one of the
factors which cause individuasl to abuse drugs is predisposition. Genes from parents
are carried from one generation to another that means genetics play factors in some
form of drug abuse especially alcohol. Self medication through use of psychotropic
drugs is used to treat anxiety and depression of which opiates give ready relief from
pain. In Thailand they use opium for remedy of cough, diarrhea or depression.
helps to know the real clients whom needs assistance of treatment and counseling.
24
Therefore drugs may be swallowed, eaten or drunk, chewed through the mouth,
inhaled through the lungs or injected beneath the skin into the muscles or into a vein.
Drugs may affect young people more quickly than others, especially if they weigh
less than 50 kilograms. The growth of children may be retarded when interfered with
intake of alcohol, drugs and tobacco. When children become addicted with drugs
they forget attending classes, doing exercises and some suffer from hand tremors,
and drop of hormones which affects their heights and weight as well as late
secondary growth such as menstrual period in girls and less sperm count in boys.
They can get cancer of any part of the body. Children who abuse drugs get mental
illness, hepatitis, HIV and AIDS, etc. Moreover, they get involved in accidents,
injuries, and premature death (Drug Commission report,2005:6). Also they engage
in different crimes like petty thefts to get money to buy the drugs, raping, public
nuisance etc.
Most children are at schools with new friends and making friendship with boys and
girls. The use of alcohol and drugs by children can mess in many ways, when they
are under the influence of alcohol they can jump into action too fast without making
judgment whether it is bad or good as they are driven by self esteem. They can lie,
cheat, and lose interest in schooling and other activities. Also loneliness can happen
Mental problem or psychiatric illness can occur due to the use of drugs which is
take the drugs on a continuous or periodic basis, in order to experience effects and
25
sometimes to avoid the discomforts of its absence. The users of drugs continue to
take more and more drugs which can lead into drug tolerance and dependence,
Hwedie (1990) mentioned that social work profession should capture the current
have required skills and proper education so as to be in better position of assisting the
must start from within, determine what our problems and requirements are, what
resources and skills available to us and what processes and procedures we can
borrow from others. Known about the laws on drugs to social workers is very
important in order to inform the clients what will happen to them when they break
the law.
Rusema (1983:40), said children with the age between 10 -16 years are capable of
breaking the law and be charged for offence. Under 10 years they are not charged.
The government decides what to do, when children are caught for the first time they
are termed as drug abusers of the first offense. In this case they might be sent to a
first offender program which includes counseling and requires the child to perform
may be taken. In cases where drug use leads to violent crime even children are given,
tough sentences.
26
Despite the fact that laws and regulations are in place, it is apparent that enforcement
of such laws and regulations by the government and the community at large is
missing. When it comes to substance and minor people under the legal age of adult
right and responsibilities, the laws are very clear- selling alcohol, drugs and tobacco
products by minor is illegal, (Merki, 1996:4). Even within the alcoholic trade marks
it is indicated that “It is not allowed to be sold under 18 years” or “Children under 18
years are not allowed in the pubs when they are alone”.
individual under 18 is found with alcohol he/she might be arrested, fined and put
In many states it is against the law to sell cigarette to people less than 18 years of
age. It is estimated that one billion packets of cigarettes are sold each year to people
who are under aged. If under age are caught they can be given a big fine and the
person who sells to them can be fined and license can be withdrawn. In Tanzania it is
Generally, in Tanzania laws ban the use of dangerous and addictive drugs (those that
prescription. Drugs such as heroin, LSD, crack, cocaine, and ecstasy are illegal.
Therefore, selling any of these drugs is a crime with serious penalties. Like other
drugs the use of cannabis is illegal, (Ibid). The penalty for using or possessing drugs
27
in Tanzania is very heavy in child and may be sent to children remand homes or
On looking to the above literature, we have noted that children use drugs due to so
many reasons such as family problems, availability, low prices, genes, to taste and to
fit in the group of abusers. Government and health educators have created various
methods such as provision of health education through the different mass media
channels but the problem still going on. However the study sought to assess the
causes, effects and remedial measures of drug abuse among the children. So as to
inform the society in general about what should be done in order to minimize the
CHAPTER THREE
3.1. Introduction
The research methodology outlines the manner in which the study executed. It is all
about procedures for obtaining, organizing data, by considering the logic behind
using the methods and techniques selected and to give explanation why such research
strategy, data collection methods and techniques for data analysis were selected.
social issues (Orodho and Kombo, 2006 : 71). Therefore the researcher interviewed
and administered questionnaires to the families and children who abused drugs in
order to get opinion about what causes children to abuse drugs and what is the impact
of abusing drugs. Also they managed to give out there opinion about what can be
done in order to solve the problems related with the use of drugs by the Tanzanian
children.
A case study method has been used so as to enable the researcher in getting deeper
understanding about the problem of drug abuse among the children within their own
real life context. This has gone with the assumption that the findings will be similar
29
to any children in any area in Tanzania and the same to countries in the least
developed societies.
340 to 700 100 south 00 and longitudes 390 to 390 350 East. The boundaries of the
district are found at Mpiji and Mbezi river and by watershed (Ministry of Water
1989). The district stretches along the coast about 100 km from mouth of river Mpiji
in North, the mouth of river Mbezi in South. Out of the total land surface of Dar es
Salaam Region, Kinondoni District covers 527 km2 (Bureau of statistics 1995).
Kinondoni District has a population of about 621,389 out of this 328,417 are males
and 292,972 are females (URT 2002 population census, preliminary report). The
District has five different categories of population density. The low density areas
such as Masaki, Oysterbay, Mbezi Beach and Mikocheni where the wealthy people
businessmen, diplomats and foreign experts were are live, medium density or mixed
density areas covers places like Magomeni, Kijitonyama, Ubungo, Kigogo and
The study area is located in Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam Region. The area
was picked purposefully because of its plentiful reported cases at Muhimbili National
30
Hospital. Dar es Salaam is leading in terms of drug abusers and trafficking of drugs
such as cannabis, cocaine, mandrax, heroin, alcohol and cigarette smoking with total
number 2462 users followed by Tanga region with total number 790 users, Arusha
428 users, Kilimanjaro 320 users and Mbeya 244 users. Although the figures are for
Hananasif, Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam are supposed to follow their parents
as expressed by a saying “like father like son”. “Like mother like daughter”,
The study was conducted in Hananasif Ward, Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam
Region. The area was chosen because Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania
with significant commercial and cultural activities that attract many people from
Tanzania and other countries. Therefore, drug use and selling is one of activities.
Also, Dar es Salaam dwellers are experiencing a rapid population growth which
involves children living in poor conditions and lack of access to essential social and
economic amenities which cause them to live in difficult situations and earn living
through the use and selling of drugs. Also Dar es Salaam is the major outlet to the
neighbouring countries and the rest of the World through Mwl. Nyerere International
Airport and the Port/Harbour and the boarder points to the hinterland countries of
In addition, during the searching for the appropriate case study area, the researcher
noted that Hananasif area has a good number of children who were found roaming in
streets and vending groundnuts, cashew nuts, chewing gums and seling water during
31
the school hours. It was also frequently noted that there were big number of children
who were found smoking and drinking along the streets. Also the ward in charge
and ten cell leaders confirmed that in Kinondoni there a lot of children who consume
alcohol and drugs. In attempting to access the children under the escort of their ward
leaders it was noted that they were friendly and accessible by the researcher unlike in
A population can be defined as all people or items with the characteristic one wish to
understand. The target population of this study includes children who abuse drugs
and their parents in Hananasifu Ward, Kinondoni District, and professionals working
years and 20 professionals who are dealing with children involved in drug abuse.
These professionals involve counselors, nurses, social workers and doctors who are
presented by five (5) people from each group. A total number of 60 was selected by
the researcher not only because the researcher is familiar with the place of study, but
subject matter and that the professionals were selected in order to justify the
magnitude of problem of drug abuse among children as they have been intervening
32
the problem. In addition, they were expected to give out the ideas about causes,
effects and remedies according to their experiences in dealing with these children.
The sampling method/technique which has been used in this study is purposive
sampling which involved selection of cases which researcher judged as the most
appropriate one for the study. The chance that a particular respondent can be
selected for the sample depends on the subjective judgment of the researcher. In this
study purposive sampling was used to select all the respondents . Since it was
purposive, it allowed the researcher going directly to Kinondoni District and then to
Hananasif Ward at Mkunguni Street with an escort of the village secretary and youth
leader while passing through their ten (10) houses and interviewed two (2) children
who available and rich case from each house with equal presentation according to
explore their experiences on dealing with children on drug abuses. Also these
These were the steps, procedures and strategies for gathering data in this study. Data
some facts. (Tromp, 2006:99). In this study the following methods were used in
materials from library, which included books, newspapers, internet, leaflets and
journals related to alcohol and drug abuse among the children in Tanzania.
3.8.1 Interview
This is one of instrument which was used in collecting information from the
with the language used. Interviews are better than questionnaires because some
parents/guardians are busy and do not have time to fill the questionnaires.
In order to avoid the possibility of being injured by the drug users the researcher
sought the assistant/escort of the ward leaders. The sample interviewees were given
Hananasif Ward at Mkunguni Street was visited under the escort of village secretary
and youth leader who know the village very well. The village secretary and youth
leader introduced the researcher to the households with children who abuse drugs.
The village leaders requested the household leaders to respond to the research
guiding questions. Ten (10) families with drug abuse problem were identified. Then
the researcher interviewed two (2) children with equal presentation according to sex.
If there were more than two children under 18 from the same family, the researcher
issued two pieces of paper written Yes or No. The researcher rolled them and threw
them on the ground and children picked them randomly, and the one who picked yes
3.8.2. Questionnaire
This involved list of printed questions given to the respondents to fill in answers and
and 20 to professionals with equal presentation according to get male and female..
This method is useful because it can reach all the respondents and the respondents
respondents to find out the causes, effects and remedial measures of drug abuse
among children. Although, most of the sample children did not complete their
primary education, they could read and write as reported by the Ward leaders and
respondents.
Twenty questionnaires were issued to the professionals to know from them the
causes, effects and remedial measures. The sample includes 10 females and 10
males.
3.8.3 Observation
respondents, without the respondents being aware that they are observed by the
respondents directly without asking them questions or not being aware that they are
being observed by the researcher. In this study observation method has been used
mirungi (khat) and the like. In verifying the information, the researcher saw through
by own eyes children smoking cannabis and cigarettes and using alcohol even infront
upon the observer to have it and not them. Therefore, they just do whatever they feel
Raw data collected by the researcher were processed before carrying out the analysis.
That was elimination of unusable, ambiguous answers, and contradictory data were
detected and corrected or omitted where necessary. After correcting errors the
researcher formulated a coding scheme which was used for summarizing and
analyzing the information given to the researcher. Then the data was stored in soft
and hard copies. The data stored were in statistical packages for social science
(SPSS). This package was used due to the fact that the study was explorative, in
order to show data and draw conclusion, opinion and confirmatory method was used
Data collected were organized and analyzed using qualitatively and quantative
methods because of the nature of the study which was partly qualitative and
36
evaluative. However, quantitative data analysis technique was also applied in some
and percentages. The qualitative data analysis technique was employed for the
Permission was further requested from Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam Region
The purpose of the study was clearly explained to the participants and informed
consent sought before the interview was carried out. Participants were assured
confidentiality. They were further notified that there was no risk of harm expected
following their participation in this study. Just in case of any negative feeling the
participants were free to withdraw from the study without any condition.
Pretesting of the study was done at Hananasif in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam
and 3 professionals and results obtained were used to finalize the preparation of the
instruments. The questionnaire was well understood by the respondents and the
researcher leant some common words used by respondents who abuse drugs such as
37
“kuyoyoma” and “kukatia ngoma” both are Swahili words which mean “let us go and
(Kutokwa denda) means somebody has used drug and now he/she is high, “mboga”
means cannabis (bhangi) and eventually the researcher used the terminologies during
CHAPTER FOUR
FINDINGS
4.1. Introduction
Data analysis is the process of examining what has been collected in the survey and
make deduction and inferences. Once data have been collected and classified the
What are the causes of drug abuse among children at Hananasif Ward,
What are the probable remedial measures of drug abuse among children in
Tanzania?
The researcher started with the social demography, interviews and discussions with
the parents of the children who abuse drugs, children involved in drug abuse, social
workers, nurses, doctors and counselors who work with Psychiatry Department at
It was important for the researcher to identify the age, sex and level of education of
the children involved in drug abuse and parents too. Moreover, it was important for
the researcher to identify the experience of the nurses, counselors, social workers and
doctors who filled the questionnaires. The social demographic characteristics are
vital components in this study as they affirm the target group. In addition, the
presentation of people according to which area they belong (sex) (M) and (F) for the
Professionals
Table 2 above shows that the group of youngest parents which ranged between 18
and 28 has 3(30%) M, 4(40%) F, the age group between 29 and 39 constituted 5
(50%) M and 3(30%) F of the sample. From the above statistics it is apparent that
parents with ages ranging between 18 and 28 were 3 (30%) M and 4(40%) F and
between 51 and 60 were 1(10%) M and 1(10%) F. Parents at the age between 18-39
years got engaged in major social responsibilities, also at this age they are very active
socially and had limited time to be close with their children. Secondly, it is at these
ages where most of parents begin their careers and get involved fully and lastly it is
at these ages where parents are not settled economically that is to say they use most
It can be concluded that children from families with parents between 18 and 39 years
of age are vulnerable to drug abuse. This was observed during the interviewing
process. Some parents were not available and the researcher asked the children about
the whereabouts of their parents. They replied that some had gone to work or have
gone to the Ferry to purchase fish for selling and some had gone to Kariakoo to
purchase vegetables for selling at their own Kiosks(magenge in Swahili). And when
they returned, they kept on being busy with their businesses without getting to know
the progress of their children. Therefore, they researcher was forced to follow these
parents in the places of their businesses where the research finally interviewed them.
From the above statistical stance several questions were posed. Because the age
group was still economically and socially active, one can say parents are busy
making money? Busy travelling? Coming home very late? Spending absolute
41
minimum time with their children? To poor to afford dissent homes in dissent
neighborhoods?
“I am currently 18 years old and I started using drugs at the age of 10 years
when I started drinking “kimpumu” (a local maize brew). I drank this local
alcohol because my mother and all the relatives I was living with drink such
alcohol to date. Also my parents sells kimpumu when I come back from the
school my parents are busy selling kimpumu they don’t have time to check
schooling”.
The above quotation was derived from one of in-depth interview at Hananasif
the immediate environment that children copy and learn things from. Traditions and
customs shape and direct lives a specific life style. Assessments towards what
traditions and customs have on children involved in drug abuse due accessibility,
Table 2 also shows that at Muhimbili National Hospital, professionals were evenly
distributed among the age groups of 29 and 39, 40 and 50, and 51 and 60. The
professionals with ages between 18 and 28 were only 3(30%). It was evident that the
handle drug abuse cases through education and counselling. Also they can
Table 3: Distribution by Age and Gender of Children who had been Interviewed
Number of Respondents
AGE M (Total 10 children) F (Total 10 children) Total respondents
10-12 1(10%) 1(10%) 2 (10%)
12-15 1 (10%) 3 (30%) 4(20%)
15-under 18 8 (80%) 6 (60%) 14(70%)
TOTAL 10 (100%) 10 (100%) 20(100%)
Source: Research, 2011
Table 3 shows that children who abused drug between 10 and 12 are two percent
2(20%), 1(10%) M and 1(10%) F. This phenomenon showed that at this age a few
children abused drug and it is so because they were still of tender age and they have
not learnt much from the outside world (that is to say they have limited interaction
with outside world) and they are abiding with the family norms and traditions. From
age 12-15 years which is normally the early adolescent stage were two (2) which
constituted 20% of the one percent 1(10%) M and 3 (30%) F. The number was
increasing which means these children started interacting with the outside world. In
this manner they have started abandoning their family norms and traditions and
copied from peers. However, children between 15 to under 18 which is normally the
adolescent age were fourteen (14) which constituted 70%, 8(80%) M and 6 (60%) F.
At this age, experiment with drugs is merely part of rite of passage through their
challenging teen years. Such children are influenced to use drugs mainly by their
peers so as to get high, have funny and relax. However, one cannot say solely that
adolescents use drugs due to peer pressure but the psychoactive substances have
43
age group between 15 and under 18 years need constant guidance, care and support
because they are still going through the adolescent era which is accompanied with
daringness to do things without fearing the outcomes. At the adolescent age, children
are suffering from deficit in cognitive and behavioral skills and therefore prone to try
person to advance and become aware of problems and means of solving them. With
Table 4 above shows that only 1(10%) of the children involved in drug abuse came
from a family with illiterate parents. Illiteracy in this scenario is not a big causative
component. Parents sample with primary school education are 6(60%) both M and
44
F while parents with Secondary school education are 4(40%) M and 3(30%) F. There
were no parents with higher education. In Tanzania primary and secondary school
education cannot become professionals before they acquire education above the
empirical finding left a lot to be desired. Hananasif is an area for low income
dwellers.
The area is characterized with high density with houses which are overcrowded with
different ethnic groups and different cultures which have influences in socializing
children. Therefore, overcrowding confuses the children about which culture they
have to abide to and as a result the use of drugs become part and parcel of their
growing patterns. Within the same diversity there are diversified peer groups and
peer influence/pressure also is one of the causes leading to children abusing different
drugs.
Table 4 also revealed that only 1(10%) of both children involved in drug abuse was
illiterate, primary school leavers 4(40%) M and 6(6)%) F and secondary school
leavers. The difference between the primary and secondary schools leavers was
merely 10% thus insignificant. Among female-children 60% were primary school
leavers while 30% were secondary school leavers. In this case it was argued that the
higher the level of education the higher the awareness on the effects of drug abuse.
Among the male children 40% were secondary school leavers while 60% were
on drug abuse, but peer influence, idle mind and lack of parental guidance on drug
45
Respondent’s
finding myself jobless. I was seventeen years old by then. I started with
cigarette and now I take bhangi. My friends were cigarette and bhangi
smokers and little by little convinced me to taste what they thought I was
The above respondent concurred with the behaviorism theory which presupposes that
child’s behavior is molded through observing and learning from models like teachers
and parents as well as peers. In this case it was noted that a child who was
unintentionally subjected to the tension of being jobless and orphan would likely
abuse drugs. Therefore, the problem of drug abuse is a challenge; it is not so simple
to children and there is no single factor responsible for its causes which can be
explained solely. One must understand the tremendous influence of peer pressure, the
substance abusing model and of course the provocative appeal of drug abuse
themselves.
46
Education opens an individual into better self understanding and to master his/her
minds and renders no chances of emptiness and idleness which make individual child
to abuse drugs. With regard to social work profession, there is a need of the
avoid other problems such as drug abuse which might happen due to lack of
education.
4.2.2. Occupation
The researcher wanted to know the occupation of parents of the children and children
to involved in drug abuse. The researcher wanted to know the impact of parents’
occupations on the upbringing of children as well as the role of children’s ‘in getting
livelihood, as some children are employed as child labour e.g. construction sites or
house girls.
Table 5 shows that 9 (90%) M and 1(10%) F of the children involved in drug abuse
were engaged in child labour. Child labour denies children the opportunity to go to
school. Secondly, child labour subjects children to situations which need maturity to
handle them of which they themselves are not matured hence become vulnerable to
drug abuse. Thirdly, child labour gives children income which with little maturity
they use the money to buy drugs instead of using it to help their lives or in
and hired agents of petty businesses such as selling water, groundnuts, cashew nuts
etc, and some are self employed, selling domestic consumables, clean water, and
piped water from the Dar es Salaam Water Authority. Parents who are employed are
6(60%) M and 9(90%) F. It can be argued that the magnitude of drug abuse is more
in families where parents are employed. In this scenario it can be argued that, the
employed parents are most of the time outside the family settings, making the
disseminate their cultural ideals, ethics, norms and values and children are left alone
to learn what come across and drug abuse being one of them. One of the respondents
“My mother’s occupation is vending of local beer, illicit alcohols e.g. gongo
and chibuku and in most cases she instructs me to sell such to her customers.
When her customers are drunk they used to convince me to drink a bit and
2
Socialization” is a process whereby young members of family, group community or society
are taught what their own people like. People’s like include culture, values and norms. The
process begins by attuning the young one to their needs, slowly and painfully, they are
trained through examples and by rewards or punishment to conform to the expectations of
others. The main role of the family is to socialize new members. The parents nurture the
child while both socialization including physical mental and social spiritual continues until
when the child become an adult ready to start her/his own life by having her/his own new
home”. (Kitula (2007:21).
48
not bother about that and therefore I started school very late. By then I was
very fat and some of my school peers used to irritate me when they told me
My mother used to sell food in the same area where she sold alcohol and
most of the time I assisted her in selling alcohol as she sold food. When I was
a grade two pupil I could drink half a litre of chibuku instantly and I allowed
dropped school when I was a grade four pupil because my performance was
extremely poor and I did not see any logic of wasting my time at school. My
full time job after dropping out of school was vending of local alcohols
The above response goes beyond interactions’ and behaviorism theories which
dwells on family interaction and learning through observations as the only avenues
the causes of drug abuse among children. In this case one can argue that if selling of
alcohols are separated from residences there will be slim chances of children
observing and getting inspired with the adverse drinking behaviors. The above
respondent informed George’s (2005) interactions’ theory which dwells on the fact
that interactions among people are active factors which influence everything in the
society. The empirical findings showed that there are more chances of drug abuse
49
among the children in families with full time employed parents as they have less time
for socialization of their children. In the same line peer pressure was identified as the
biggest contributor to drug abuse among children. In addition parents who are poor
and involved in how paid job (selling of alcohol at there residence) there children are
on greater risk of involving in drug abuse than the families with adequate income and
resources. Also there children are cut off from the rest of society because of
unattended rights.
The researcher also wanted to establish the marital status of the parents of the
children who were involved in drug abuse. The aim of identifying the marital status
Six 6(60%) percent of the male-parents and 3(30%) of the female-parents were
single, 4(40%) of the male parents and 7(70%) of the female-parents were married.
doubled the number of unmarried male-parents. The 6(60%) of the families were
50
fathers guided families while 3(30%) were only mothers guided. It can be argued that
drug abuse can occur in both single and married families in other words married
families are not necessarily the source of children’s drug abuse. However, children
learn from outside because of interconnectedness and inter actions between children
and it is within this context that the family weather married or not, have to be aware
of the behavior of their children. As children know that abusing of drug forbidden as
observed by researcher and so to say they use drugs in hidden environments or in the
absence of their parents. When the researcher asked the parents weather they know if
their children were using drugs, some of them did not know or discovered the use of
drug because they come home at late hours when already there was the problem and
Upon finding that their children are using drugs they felt hurted, betrayed and gilty.
Some parents felt helpless because they have limited understanding of drug abuse
and they did not know where to turn to or what to do. Other parents felt frustrated
because after learning about the problem was when they realized the need of looking
dealing with drugs will assist the abusers. Another Respondent’s has this to say with
“I am an orphan and sixteen years old and I live with my grandmother in our
seven-education at the age of fifteen and after school I started taking drugs. I
started with two sticks of bhangi, and I drunk a half litre of beer during
51
synonymous to being high and excited. I normally get money for drug and
money like Tshs. 500 from each after selling the used plastic bottles. She
added that nothing goes for nothing they demand sex from me due to craving
for cannabis. I have to do it even though I am not ready to do it. I may get
HIV and AIDS because I do not choose whom can have sex with, when I go
parents leaves the children with no care and subjected to be cared by grandmothers,
or guardians who are unable to play their roles in socializing children due to
children look for alternative satisfaction elsewhere. Hence, without good choice,
children end up with inter action with drug users and they become users too.
Parents reported to have experienced behavioral problems and drug abuse problems
amongst their children and 100% of the male-children mentioned to experience the
same, and 4(40 %) of the female-children in the sample are already drug addicts
(Researcher 2011). The drugs used by children are cannabis, heroin, cigarette,
cocaine, alcohol, valium and khat (mirungi). The abuse of the drugs mentioned by
the children was also affirmed by the doctors, nurses, social workers and counselors
52
were involved in this study. One of the respondents showed different types of drugs
which are being abused by children at Hananasif Ward and the utensils like knife, tile
for grinding cannabis and lizarbert for removing cannabis and heroin from the tile.
Figure 4.1: A photograph showing a child preparing cannabis for selling to the
Figure 4.3: A photograph showing different types of cigarette, konyag packets and
Region, Tanzania
In identifying the children’s age particularities in relation to drug abuse see the above
shown Table nine (9). Ten 1(10%) percent of male-parents reported to have observed
drug abuse at the age between 15 and under 18, 8(80%) between 13 and 15 and
1(10%) below 10 years while 7(70%) female parents have observed drug abuse at the
age between 15 and less than 18, 6(60%) between 13 and 15, 1(10%) between 10 and
12, and 2(20%) below 10 years. In this scenario the age category between 15 and less
than 18 is the late adolescent age while between 13 and 15 is the early adolescent age
Seventy 7(70%) percent the female-respondents have noted drug abuse among
children between 15 and fewer than 18 while only 1(10%) of male-parents have
noted the same. It can be argued that children at this late adolescent age keep social
Eighty 8(80%) percent of the male-parents earmarked in the sample have noted drug
abuse among children between 12 and 15 years while 6(60%) of the female parents
have noted the same. From this scenario it can be argued that children at this early
Twenty 2(20%) percent of both female and male parents earmarked in the sample
have noted drug abuse among children at the age below 12. This presupposes that
between 10 and 18 years of age. Thirty 3(30%) percent of the male-children and
2(20%) of female children as shown in the sample abuse drugs at the age between 15
55
and less than 18 while 5(50%) of male children and 5(50%) of female children abuse
drug at the age between 13 and 15. At the age between 10 and 12 only 2(20%) of the
female-children have already started abusing drugs while none of the male –children
had started abusing drugs. At the age below 10, only 2(20%) of the male children and
It can be argued that the most vulnerable period to drug abuse by both female and
male children is the age between 13 and 15 years of age. It is also apparent that male-
children start abusing drugs earlier than female children. During the late adolescent
age there are 1(10%) more male-children than female children and this presupposes
that there is more chance for female children than for male-children refraining from
drug abuse.
From the doctors, nurses, counselors and social workers 3(30%) of female-children
and 1(10%) of male children abuse drugs at the age between 15 and less than 18. It
can be argued there are 2(20%) more female children than male children who consult
medical and social professionals. From the medical and social professionals it was
also noted that 4(40%) of male children and 5(50%) of the female-children abuse
drugs at the age between 13 and 15 years of age. It can also be argued that there are
1(10%) more female children availing themselves for social and medical therapies.
Medical experts have noted that 2(20%) of male children and 1(10%) of the female
children abuse drugs at the age between 10 and 12 years of age. At this age 1(10%)
more of male children avail themselves to medical and social experts. This is the age
56
group where male children are taken to the social and medical experts by their
parents but the time they can go themselves fewer male children show up.
From the medical and social experts, 3(30%) of male children and 1(10%) of female
children abuse drugs at the age below 10 years of age. In this case it can be argued
that male children start abusing drugs earlier than female children. From our
Tanzanian cultural context male children are more outgoing than female children and
even the motherly care is more imparted to female children than male children.
From Table 10 it is observed that drug abuse among children who are under 10 years
of age as this is the time when the brain is like an empty page (Tabularasa) and
whatever gets in first becomes the future spirit of the mind of the child without
known the effect of using drugs. Drug abuse among children as observed in the field
impairs physical, mental, social and spiritual health of the children. This challenges
the family, religious, and community institutions as well as the government social
and medical organs as no sober state can develop among children involved in drug
abuse. Therefore, the families as traditional welfare institutions which have core
responsibility of protecting children from using drugs had failed to play their roles.
Failure of doing so it leads the children to go into wrong direction as it has been seen
One female respondent has this to say about age for starting using drugs;
57
smoker and most of the time she used to instruct me to light her cigarettes
and in so doing I used to smoke her cigarettes a little and indeed she did not
care about that, I only wanted to know what is in cigarettes that make my
mother so happy. In the first puff I did not get any taste but as I continued I
started getting aspiration and for that matter I started smoking on and off in
hideouts, because I
normally cough and having chest pain. My mother send me to hospital, I get
treatment, but the problem persists and I do not cure about my health. I still
continue in smoking”.
In considering the above notion, such type of parents are wrong models, therefore
this makes the children to observe wrong models and behave wrongly and use of
drugs become one of the immediate temptation. That is to say as a social worker,
parents have to avoid demonstration of antisocial behaviour. This was seen also from
another respondent who started smoking cannabis because of parents who did not
make fellow ups of behavior of their children at school. Such children can fool
around without the knowledge of their parents until when it is too late as said by a
respondent who noted his son who was already being addicted by using drugs from
low age.
“In fact I did not know my son is a bhangi smoker until when I realized that
he was not attending classes. When I counterchecked with the school teachers
58
I noted that his former classmates have long ago finished their primary
smokes bhangi, he drinks alcohol and sniffs heroin. It is too late, what do I
items at home and sell them so that he can get heroin and use it. All my
neighbours do not like him as he is used to steal different items from their
houses. If anything had been stolen at one of neighbours they just say it is my
Social worker needs to advice the government to hold parents responsible for drug
abuse among children as this is directly linked to lack of monitoring and socialization
of children.
The following pie chart reveals that the majority of children know the causes but still
using drugs. Both male and female children who were 70% of children confirmed
“In our ghetto many boys and girls (youths) meet and enjoy a variety of
drugs from mirungi, heroin, cocaine and alcohol. In the ghetto I got another
boyfriend who is my lover to date. We lived together but we have not yet
make it official. My boyfriend is a bit older than me. My father does not know
any sexually hungry men who could pay for sex entertainment (kuruka
commercial sex just to make sure we get money to buy bhangi and heroine.
search money, one man who was sexually hungry also a drug abuser cut me
accordingly and I end up with deep cut wound on my right side of pelvic.
Twenty (20%) percent of the children earmarked in the sample declared that family
described below;
3
Myers (2000:286) says that a group can change the world, this is because group of people
interact and influence one another and perceive one another as us. The group exist
especially drug addicts group so as to meet a need to belong and provide information about
where to get drugs and by using drugs the user gets rewards of accomplishing goals. For
example at Hananasif they call them Msela Ndondo. That is the user who had being
addicted and the user enjoys being called Msela
60
“My father is a labourer in construction sites and he drinks local beers like
kimpumu, ulanzi and the like and when he has money for conventional beers
some alcohols and at times he may disappear for three days without coming
back home. Due to too much alcohol consumption by both my mother and my
father their marriage fragmented and my mother, I and some relatives had to
Ten (10%) percent of children earmarked in the sample said that drug abuse among
“If my parents were close to me and could understand all my life styles I
would not have been like this because they would have told me what not to do
and why and for sure cigarette and bhangi smoking would have been among
the list. Cigarette and bhangi smoking create difficult breathing and chest
pains.
As seen above, other factors such as genes from parents who abuse drugs such as
smoking cigarette and alcohol can be transmitted from one generation to another.
Also the nature of drugs has a tendency of creating dependency as an individual start
voluntarily taking drugs and then due to the brain structure and function which
creates craving and drug seeking behavior become uncontrollable due to pleasure
However, hundred (100%) percent of the social worker and medical experts
earmarked in the sample underscored that peer pressure is the bottom line of drug
Twenty (20%) percent of the parents earmarked in the sample stated that family
problems such as family separation, early deaths of parents which result to uncared
children contribute to the rapidly increasing drug abuse problem among children
especially those found in urban centres. They also underpinned that children start
with the mild drugs such as cigarettes and beer and later embark on the most
grandfathers and grandmothers or close relatives who are not socially upright
Ten (10%) percent of the respondents associated drug abuse among children with
easy accessibility and poor drug use restrictions, unguided supply of the medically
based drugs, the influx of information technology and its resulting of both good and
bad aspects, lack of role model within families, and unguided decision making by
children.
It is assumed that knowing the effects will enabler parents, schools, communities,
10
9
KEY:
8
6
C – Children
5 Series1
3
P – Parents
2
0
Individual C Individual P Family C Family P Community C Community P
Drugs
Ninety (90%) percent of the children and 70% of the parents earmarked in the
sample know the effects of drug abuse among children and the underpinned effects
on individuals were abdominal pain, diarrhea, pain all over the body, shunted
imprisonment, drug addiction, mental illness, death, etc. When explaining about the
“I am afraid of testing for HIV but I suspect I might be HIV positive because
I am gradually becoming thinner and skinny. Our lives are very risky because
in the ghetto one cannot choose who to make love with and therefore you
avail yourself to any member of the ghetto who has sexual desire instantly. In
this context none of us know of safer sex and the different modes of
“When I was eleven years old I started smoking bhangi. I started mixing
cigarette with a bit of bhangi and now I can smoke one stick a day. Bhangi is
very bad as I did not see any reason of taking shower or washing my school
after day. When I was a grade six pupil I settled on terminating my studies
water along the streets. All the money I got was spent for buying cigarettes,
bhangi and local beer (mnazi). One day, one of my friends who is a bit older
than me, gave me bhangi while we were at our smoking site (kijiweni) and the
bhangi was mixed with heroin. I felt good and I thought I was in the heavens.
When I went home my father told me that I should not come home so late but
to me that was nothing, I did not care. I continued taking heroin and today I
people. Sometimes, I got arrested and badly beaten to the extent of getting
injured but I normally go to hospital and life goes on. When I am arrested as
a snatcher I normally pretend to be humble and cool so that they don’t kill me
“I was pregnant at fourteen when I was grade five primary school pupil. I got
the pregnancy from a form two secondary school student from a neighboring
64
family. I knew I have done a big mistake and I had to run away from my
mother and come to Dar es Salaam where I joined my father and a step-
survived for only two days. I lived with my father for quite some and one day
where we could jointly enjoy drugs and that was the beginning of the bad
Social workers have to inform teenagers that teenage is a sign that they are crossing
dangerous for themselves and babies too if not well prepared and they have to choose
client self determination principle that “to save their lives or to die”. Also their
boyfriends may reject them because the law prohibits men from having sexual
relationship with students so the men may abandon/reject the pregnancy for
protection of himself. Also girls should know that under any of such circumstances
the girls are the losers and not the boys or the men responsible for that.
Forty (40%) percent of the children and 30% of the parents earmarked in the sample
were aware of the impact of drug abuse children to the community. They asserted
that once children become drug addicts they start burgling, stealing, snatching, etc all
over the community and security and safety within the community disappear. Life
becomes difficult and people start hating their own homes as one of the respondents
65
said. 20% of the children and 20 % of the parents said that drug abuse among
children eventually result into street children, robberies, drug addicts and
undeveloped nation as drug addicts do not like working. See the frequency polygon
below. From the histograms it is apparent as consistently shown that children are
more aware of the effects of drug abuse among children than the parents and the
relevant institutions and the government can capitalize on that strength while curbing
the problem.
The frequency polygon above shows that 70% of the social and medical
professionals earmarked in the sample were aware of the effects of drug abuse at the
individual level, 20% at the family level and 10% at the community level. However
the social and medical experts and the parents statistically shares the same frequency
polygon.
66
Generally, effects of drug abuse among the children can be summarized as per table
shown below:
It is assumed that knowing the remedial measures will help in monitoring and
evaluating their impact in solving the problems of drug abuse among the children.
67
In identifying the awareness on the possible remedial measures it was noted that
4 (40%) M and 5 (50%) F of the children are aware of the remedies that through
correct information about drug abuse and its effects. 2 (20%) M, 3 (30%) F percent
(10%) F were aware of the parents’ role model behavior in suppressing drug abuse
among their children. Most of children were aware of the remedial measures. It can
be argued that sensitization through mass media, community and government, social
and political rallies are essentially important in addressing drug abuse. 1(10%) of the
male parents and 4(40%) of the female parents were aware of provision of correct
68
information about drug abuse and its effects. 1(10%) of the male parents and thirty
percent 3(30%) of the female parents were aware of the possibility of eradicating
drug abuse through rehabilitation therapy. 5(50%) of the male parents and 2 (20%) of
the parents were aware of the possibility of wiping off drug abuse in the society
through reduction or banning the available of drugs. Only 3 (30%) respondents of all
the parents were aware of the possibility of getting away with drug abuse among
children through parents strive to behave as behavior role models in their families
One respondent had this to say about the awareness of remedial measures of drug
abuse;
“We ask the government to give them medicinal treatment until they are back
to their original behavioral qualities and send them back to school where
they had left. This has helped greatly for those who have received the
treatment.
“At times the government intervene drug taking in the neighbourhoods and
away easily after giving them some little money like five thousand shillings.
them ten thousand shilling and go away with it. However, when the
Kilwa Road barracks are strict and bribery-haters. When we see them we run
and token bribes. The government can successfully handle and eradicate drug
abuse if it strongly involves all the stakeholders from the drug abusers,
refrain from drug abuse as it is very bad to their future lives. This will help
Generally, it can be argued that the parents’ know the remedial measures but they
need to be close and monitoring of their children about what their children are doing
and knowing about their friends as through interaction and learning is when their
children learns how to use drugs. In addition they need to give correct information
continuously about drugs to their children, so as to prevent drugs abuse among them.
norms and values. Also each person should play his/her role accordingly.
correct information about drug abuse and its effects is a measure towards prevention
and eradication of drug abuse among children. 2 (20%) M and 3 (30%) F mentioned
through the parents who have to act as a role model to their children. Also
70
government, children and parents have to perform their duties and responsibilities
towards each other in terms of providing rights to the children. And social workers
have an advocacy role so that children can get their rights. (Plummer, 1990:2).
The figure below shows how these parties (parents, children, government and other
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Summary
The World and Africa in particular are witnessing rapid and wide ranging social-
economic and political changes which come along with the emergence of large
Kinondoni District, drug abusers are known by type of drug they abuse; “mla unga”
By whatever name they are called, the children who abuse drugs are ignored, beaten
up, killed and misunderstood by the society and government. This is due to their
antisocial behaviors such as early sexual practices, stealing, raping, sodomy and the
like.
Therefore, identification of the factors associated with drug abuse among the
children at Hananasif Ward, Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam Region is crucial not
only in terms of availing knowledge but also in terms of informing the respondents
and the local administration about the causes, effects and remedies of drug abuse
basing on findings from their own locality. According to the empirical findings, there
is great likelihood of getting children who abuse drugs from families with the
families with marital conflicts such as quarrels, separations and divorce. Secondly,
parents who are less concerned with their children weather employed or self
72
employed as they have limited time to socialize their children. Thirdly, families of
the deceased parents where grandparents are taking care of the orphans. Fourthly,
families selling alcohol within the borders of their households. Lastly, families with
Also drug abuse by children is influenced by the following; Firstly, peer influence
which seventy (70%) of the children agreed that peer influence accelerates the
problem of drug abuse among children. It was also found that in ghettos, many boys
and girls meet and enjoy variety of drugs ranging from mirungi, heroin, cocaine and
alcohol. Secondly, learning from parents with the hope that they are good role
models while they are not. Thirdly, poverty which incline children towards early love
making, joblessness which result into idling and the consequential (tabula rasa)
brain status which accepts any observation, event, style, fashion and group acts.
In addition, according to the empirical findings the side effects of drug abuse among
children are: coughing and chest pains, self denial, societal denial, loss of weight,
decision making capability, HIV and AIDS infections, school drop out etc.
Finally, the study revealed that there are remedial measures for drug abuse among
Secondly, creation of family awareness on the side effects of drug abuse. Thirdly,
creation of societal awareness on the side effects of drug abuse and law enforcement
On looking to the whole findings of this study, drug abuse among children is a
practitioner to deal with medical conditions such as HIV, TB, etc and lastly,
occupational therapists to deal with restoration of the capacity of doing works and
5.2. Conclusion
Problem of drug abuse among children in Tanzania, is one of the major social
required.. It is within this context that the researcher embark purposefully on the
study of “factors associated with drug abuse among the children in Tanzania”.
newspaper, internet, leaflet, journals related to alcohol and drug abuse among
children were reviewed. Data obtained were analysed by using stastical package for
social science (SPSS). This package was used because the study was explorative and
According to empirical findings, the causes of drug abuse among the children are
evident amaong: Families with marital conflicts such as quarrels separations and
divorce, parents who are employed and work until late hours and thus have limited
74
time for socialization of their children, families of the deceased parents where grand
parents are taking care of the orphans, families selling alcohol within the confines of
the households families with parents who consume alcohol and drugs etc.
Also respondents mentioned that drug abuse among children is influenced by the
following: Peer influence, blindly copying from drug-abuse-parents with the hope
that they are role models, poverty inclining children towards early love, early
pregnancy, and joblessness which result into idling and the consequential (tabula
rasa) brain status which accepts any observation, event, style, fashion and group
acts. In addition the empirical findings revealed that the effects of drug abuse among
children are: Coughing and chest pains, self denial, societal denial, loss of weight,
drop out, lack of decision making HIV/ AIDS infection etc. Remedial measures for
drug abuse among children as elucidated by the empirical findings are: Social
of drug abuse, creation of societal awareness on the effects of drug abuse law
5.3. Recommendations
Based on the findings a number of recommendations have been made and directed to
so that they can get to know what to learn from parents, teachers and
early love among girls and the associated HIV gynecological risks, and
Salaam etc.
order to avoid joblessness which often results into idling that incline
and divorce which are one of the great catalysts of drug abuse among their
children
Parents should assign adequate time for socialization of their children in order
Parents who drink alcohol at homes should educate their children on the
discipline
At schools children should be taught how to keep themselves busy either through
At schools children should be exposed to the dangers of drug abuse such early
love among girls and the associated HIV gynecological risks, mugging and the
assisting parents with light duties in order to avoid joblessness which some times
results into idling that incline children towards engaging into the readily available
schools, national annual exhibitions, publications on the evils of drug abuse among
77
children which can contribute to prevention as prevention is better than cure. The
drug addicts while attending medical treatment can be imparted with knowledge and
hospitals for treatment. Pushers and sellers are well known by community
members; therefore the community can identify them and send them to court and
organization should invite educators and raise awareness about drugs and their
Also community members should know the signs and symptoms of children who
abuse drugs and should be able to counsel them or refer them to the appropriate
REFERENCES
Awake A. (2003), Drug abuse in the Family, Watch Tower bible and tract society of
Pennsylvania.
Grant M and Gossop (1990), Prevention and controlling drug Abuse, printed in
England UK.
Hogan M. (1996), Social economic and cultural aspects of drug abuse in Kilonzo G .
Kilonzo G.P and J. Mbatia (1996), Drug Abuse Prevention, Printed by Health
Kudrasi GM and Mary Plummer (1999) Children right, printed by Aidan Macmillan
Dar es Salaam
Leshabari M.T (2005), Heroin and HIV risk in Dar es Salaam – Tanzania, Printed by
Mbatia J. (1996), Social economic and cultural aspects of drug abuse in Kilonzo G .
Mdeme,E. (2004), Parental Factors Associated with drug abuse among youths
Tanzania.
Orodho D.K and Tromp D.L.A. (2006), Proposal and Thesis Writing, Don Bosco,
Nairobi.
PADU police Anti-drug unit (2002). Studying of youth drug use in Kinondoni and
Zanzibar.
Pitkanen YT and Kilonzo G.P. (1988 – 1990), Report of Alcohol Research Project in
Possi, M.K. (1996), Effects of drug abuse on cognitive and sexual behaviours a
potential problem among youth in Tanzania UTAFITI (News series) No. 111
– 128.
Restrepo N. (2006), United Nation Office on Drug Abuse, Children and Drugs,
Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam.
Yovin, A., (2007) Situation of drug abuse in Tanzania: Paper presented but not
APPENDICES
APPENDIX I:
research work which is considered as a prerequisite for the award of Masters Degree.
The research topic is “Factors associated with drug abuse among the children.” In
order to accomplish my field work I will use questionnaires for collecting basic
information. I hereby affirm that the information which you will give will be strictly
Personal Particulars:-
1. Age:
(1) 10 – 12
(2) 13 – 15 ( )
(3) 15 – 18
2. Sex:
(1) Male
(2) Female ( )
3. Level of education:
81
(1) Nil
(5) Diploma/Degree
4. Occupation:
(1) Unemployed
(2) Employed
(4) Housewife
6. Marital status:
(1) Single
(2) Married
(3) Divorced ( )
(4) Separated
(5) Widow
General Question:
82
(1) Parents
(2) Relative ( )
(1) Yes
(2) No ( )
10. Would you relate the problems mentioned with drug abuse?
(1) Yes
(2) No ( )
11. In your opinion what is the starting age for drug abuse by children?
__________________________________________________________
12. In your opinion what could be the reason for drug abuse among children?
___________________________________________________________
among children?
___________________________________________________________
14. In your opinion what are your suggestions on how to control or wipe out
83
___________________________________________________________
84
APPENDIX II:
research work which is considered as a prerequisite for the award of Masters Degree.
The research topic is “Factors associated with drug abuse among the children.” In
order to accomplish my field work I will use questionnaires for collecting basic
information. I hereby affirm that the information which you will give will be strictly
Personal particulars:
1. Age:
(1) 18 – 28
(2) 29 – 39
(3) 40 – 50
(4) 51 – 61 ( )
(5) 62 – 72
2. Sex:
(1) Male
(2) Female ( )
85
3. Level of education:
(1) Nil
(4) Diploma/Degree
4. Occupation:
(1) Unemployed
(2) Employed ( )
(4) Housewife
6. Marital status:
(1) Single
(2) Married
(3) Divorced ( )
(4) Separated
(5) Widow
(6) Others
General Information
86
(1) Yes
(2) No ( )
10. Would you relate the problem mentioned, in number 8 with drug abuse.
(1) Yes
(2) No ( )
12. What do you think are the reasons of high rate of drug abuse among
children?
___________________________________________________________
87
13. In your opinion who do you think is responsible for teaching children about
___________________________________________________________
14. In your opinion can you please suggest measures to be taken to control drug
___________________________________________________________
88
APPENDIX III
research work which is considered as a prerequisite for the award of Masters Degree.
The research topic is “Factors associated with drug abuse among the children.” In
order to accomplish my field work I will use questionnaires for collecting basic
information. I hereby affirm that the information which you will give will be strictly
Personal particulars:
1. Age:
(1) 18 – 28
(2) 29 – 39
(3) 40 – 50
(4) 51 – 61 ( )
(5) 62 – 72
2. Sex:
(1) Male
(2) Female ( )
89
3. Level of education:
(1) Nil
(4) Diploma/Degree
4. Occupation:
(1) Unemployed
(2) Employed ( )
(4) Housewife
6. Marital status:
(1) Single
(2) Married
(3) Divorced ( )
(4) Separated
(5) Widow
children. ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
9. In your opinion do you think that the number of drug abuse among
(1) Yes
(2) No ( )
_____________________________________________________
10. In your opinion, what do you think are the effect of abusing
___________________________________________________________
11. Could you give out some suggestion about what can be done.
in order to reduce the problem of drug abuse among the children _______
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________