Assessment of Effect of Community Participation in Prevention of Drug Abuse among Youth in Tanzania:

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of community participation in preventing drug abuse in Arusha City. The study was guided by three specific objectives, including assessing the effect of community policing programmes in preventing drug abuse in Arusha City, examining the effects of youth educational programmes in preventing drug abuse in Arusha City, and determining the effect of community coalition programmes on preventing drug use among youth in Arusha City. The study applied a mixed-method research design, which involved a combination of surveys and questionnaires in data collection. The study involved a sample size of 303 respondents who included community members (n=299), ward executive officers (n=2), and ward police officers (n=2). Data collected through surveys were analysed using frequencies, and percentages while data collected through interviews were analysed using content analysis. The findings showed that community policing programmes such as neighbourhood watch, community meetings, reporting suspecious activities, using local media, and youth engagement programmes have helped to reduce drug abuse, improve community awareness of drug abuse prevention, and reduce drug dealing activities in the surveyed wards in Arusha City. The study also found that youth education programs have helped create awareness of the dangers of drug abuse, influenced positive behaviour change, facilitated support to youth affected by drug abuse, and improved community safety. Lastly, the study found that community coalition programmes have helped to identify youth affected by the problem of drug abuse, enhancing access to treatment, reducing the demand for drugs, promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing the demand for drugs, and identifying drug abuse trends. Based on the findings, the study concludes that community participation positively affects drug abuse prevention through community policing, youth education and community coalition programmes. The study recommends continued collaboration between community members, local government, law enforcement and non governmental organisations to provide drug abuse awareness.