Substance Abuse and Deliquency Among Youths in Walukuba Division in Jinja Municpality, Uganda

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between substance abuse and delinquency among youths in Walukuba division in Jinja municipality in Uganda. A sample of 322 youths was investigated. They ranged from 12 -19 years in age. Substance abuse was measured using Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) by world Health organization and delinquency was determined by the assistance of local leaders and other youths. Mean, standard deviation and frequency scores were obtained to describe their experiences. The findings indicated that level of substance abuse was not as serious as expected. Level of delinquency was moderate (mean = 2.98, SD = 1.32). The relationship between substance abuse and delinquency ranged from positive low to moderate and statistically significant (r = .21 to 0.44, p = 0.00). It was concluded that substance abuse leads to delinquency