Authors :
Dr. Ezekiel Mbao; Dr. Godefroid Mudaheranwa
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 1 - January
Google Scholar :
http://tinyurl.com/5h7r76tt
Scribd :
http://tinyurl.com/6heynhtc
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10629062
Abstract :
This research aimed to investigate the self-
perceived health status of young individuals engaged in
substance abuse within the Kinondoni Municipality of
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study addresses the
paucity of knowledge surrounding substance abusers'
perceptions of their health status. Grounded in the
Health Belief Model, it combines elements of positivist
and constructivist paradigms, employing a mixed-
method research approach. The investigation adopts a
cross-sectional descriptive survey design, integrating
both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The
primary target population encompasses youths involved
in substance abuse and those with varying degrees of
interaction with them. Data collection methods
encompassed closed-ended questionnaires, in-depth
interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and
documentary reviews, with methodological and
theoretical triangulation to enhance data validity.
Respondents and participants were sampled through
random and purposive methods. Quantitative data was
analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) version 20.0, while qualitative data underwent
content analysis. The results reveal that approximately
49% of respondents perceived their health status as poor,
followed by 35% considering their health status fair
(normal), and a mere 8.3% believing their health status
to be good. The study's conclusion highlights the
connection between individuals' perception of their
health status and their propensity to seek health support.
The researcher advocates for increased efforts to prevent
and manage substance abuse among youth, emphasizing
strategies that promote an understanding of the
significance of recognizing one's own health status.
Collaborative action between the government and Civil
Society Organizations (CSOs) is recommended to
address individual health status and combat substance
abuse in Tanzania.
Keywords :
Self Perceived, Health Status, Substance use Disorders, Kinondoni, Tanzania.
This research aimed to investigate the self-
perceived health status of young individuals engaged in
substance abuse within the Kinondoni Municipality of
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study addresses the
paucity of knowledge surrounding substance abusers'
perceptions of their health status. Grounded in the
Health Belief Model, it combines elements of positivist
and constructivist paradigms, employing a mixed-
method research approach. The investigation adopts a
cross-sectional descriptive survey design, integrating
both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The
primary target population encompasses youths involved
in substance abuse and those with varying degrees of
interaction with them. Data collection methods
encompassed closed-ended questionnaires, in-depth
interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and
documentary reviews, with methodological and
theoretical triangulation to enhance data validity.
Respondents and participants were sampled through
random and purposive methods. Quantitative data was
analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) version 20.0, while qualitative data underwent
content analysis. The results reveal that approximately
49% of respondents perceived their health status as poor,
followed by 35% considering their health status fair
(normal), and a mere 8.3% believing their health status
to be good. The study's conclusion highlights the
connection between individuals' perception of their
health status and their propensity to seek health support.
The researcher advocates for increased efforts to prevent
and manage substance abuse among youth, emphasizing
strategies that promote an understanding of the
significance of recognizing one's own health status.
Collaborative action between the government and Civil
Society Organizations (CSOs) is recommended to
address individual health status and combat substance
abuse in Tanzania.
Keywords :
Self Perceived, Health Status, Substance use Disorders, Kinondoni, Tanzania.
