School Based Assessment (SBA)

Social Studies
NAME: Oshin Taylor Teacher name: Mrs. Y.Madhoo Donegan
School: St Thomas Technical 1/9/2012

Name of candidate: Oshin Taylor Teacher: Mrs. Y.Madhoo Donegan School: St Thomas Technical High Territory: Jamaica Centre #: 100118 Candidate#: 1001182437 Topic: illegal drug abuse

Content Page

Acknowledgement Introduction Topic, statement of the problem and research question Reason for selecting the topic Method of investigation Instrument used to collect data Procedures of data collection Presentation and explanation of data Interpretation and analysis of data Findings Recommendation and implementation of data Bibliograhy Appendix

Acknowledgement
The successful completion of this project would not have been possible without the assistance and co-operation of the many people who contribute in various ways to this project. I would therefore like to express gratitude to my subject teacher Mrs. Y. Madhoo Donegan for the reading and commenting on the various chapters. Her comments were constructive and proved very valuable. I also would like to thank Mr. W. Junior for his assistants and particularly the residents of the community of Bath in taking time out of their busy schedules to complete questionnaires. Thanks also to all my friends, colleagues, and the entire person for their encouragement and guidance through the steps of the project.

I Thank you All

Introduction

The community of Beacon Hill, Bath is a historical landmark of Jamaica found in the parish of St. Thomas. This community occupies approximately one thousand (1000) people and their main source of income is in agriculture and self-employment. The use of illegal drug by people has been a social problem in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath and also worldwide. Over the years civic organizations, the government and educational institutions are becoming more and more alarmed over the increasingly high use of illegal drugs among the citizens in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath, clearly indicating that the cases are on a rapid increase. The researcher is investigating this topic to find out what kind of illegal drugs mostly used in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath and the causes and effects that may occur. In the conclusion there will be discussion on what the community can do to alleviate the problem. The researcher also wants to find out which drug is mostly abused and by which age group.

Topic:
The use of illegal drugs among young people in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath.

Statement of the problem:

What are the main contributing factors to the use of illegal drugs among young people in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath and how does it affect their lives?

Research Questions:
1. What are the main causes of the usage of illegal drugs among young people in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath? 2. What effect does the use of illegal drugs have on the lives of young people in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath? 3. What kind of illegal drugs are mostly used by young people in Beacon Hill, Bath? 4. What can the government do to help alleviate the usage of illegal drugs among young people in Beacon Hill, Bath?

Method of Investigation
In order to collect the relevant data needed for this study, the researcher has decided to use printed questionnaires. The questionnaires will seek to find out the main type of illegal drugs used by the young people in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath as well as the causes and effect that may occur. This method of investigation will be used because it guarantees confidentiality, since respondents are not required to state their names. It also saves time and money, as from one typed copy several copies could be made.

Instrument used to collect data

Bath district, Bath P.O, St Thomas Dear community members, This survey is being carried out to find out the main factors which are contributing to the use of illegal drugs among young people and the effects it has on their lives. This study is been conducted as an assignment for the CXC school based assessment requirements for social studies examination at the general proficiency level. This information given will be confidential as most questions require a tick () to respond. At the end of the study the researcher hopes to find suitable recommendation for the problem, studied and also to develop positive work attitude to any given task. Please DO NOT includes your name on the questionnaires. THANK YOU!! Yours truly,

Oshin Taylor

Questionnaires Instruction:
This questionnaire consists of thirteen (12) questions. Please indicate your answer by placing a tick () at the appropriate answer. 1. Indicate your gender. Male Female 2. Indicate your age. 15 20 years O 21 25 years O 25 30 years O 3. Indicate your religion/domination. Christianity O Islam Buddhism Rastafarian O O O O O

4. Indicate your employment status. Employed O Unemployed Professional Self-employed O O O

5. How long have you been living in the community of Bath? Over 20 years O 20 10 years 10 - 5 years Under 5 years O O O

6. Which illegal drugs are mainly abused by young people within the community of Beacon Hill, Bath? Marijuana O Cocaine O Ash oil O Heroine O

7. Which age group do you think mostly uses illegal drugs in the community? 15 20 years O 21 25 years O 26 30 years O

8. What are some of the reasons why young people in Beacon Hill, Bath use illegal drugs? Curiosity O Peer pressure O To relief stress O To be relaxed O 9. What do you think is the main effect that illegal drugs have on the lives of young people in Beacon Hill, Bath? Financial problems as money use to buy drug O Health related problems as for coronary heart disease O Anxiety problems as wanting to know what its like O Family break down as separation within family O

10. Do you think the uses of illegal drugs among young people are increasing in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath? Yes No O O

Not sure O

11. How concern are you about the use of illegal drugs among young people in Beacon Hill, Bath? Very concern Not so concern Not concern O O O

12. What are some programmes that the government can put in place to help those who are involved in usage of illegal drugs in Beacon Hill, Bath? Rehabilitation programme Mentorship programme Health fairs Public drugs education programme O O O O

Reason for selecting this topic

The researcher has been living in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath for the last 12 years. The researcher has realized that drug abuse has been a major problem in the community of Beacon Hill. The researcher discovered that many young persons from the community are abusing illegal drugs. For example: illegal drugs, such as marijuana. This drug affects the life of the citizens in the community. There has been a high rate of usage of illegal drugs and it has been increasing each year in the community. The researcher chose to find out what are the main contributing factors to the use of illegal drugs among young people in Beacon Hill, Bath and how does it affect their lives.

Data procedures
The researcher study was conducted in the community of Bath. A total of 25 respondents were selected for the sample group. For this sample group 13 males and 12 females were selected, between the age group 15 20 years, 21 25 years and 25 30 years respectively. The researcher used the stratified sampling technique for the selection of this sample group. This was done by placing the names of all identified youths who are male on one list then a second list was made with all identified females. From each list the researcher selected one in every 3 males and females to get the 25 respondents. The questionnaires were issued and answered on the spot over a two week period; from November 11, 2011 November 25, 2011. The respondents were quite co-operative as all questions were answered.

Explanation and Presentation of Data

Gender

0% 0%

Key
48% 52% Females Males

Figure one (1): showing a pie chart with the percentage of both genders.

Figure 1 shows that 48% of females in the community are interested in the reducing of illegal drug abuse while 52% of males were also interested.

Age group Age group 15 20 years 21 25 years 25 30 years Percentages 20% 36% 44%

Table one (1)

Based on the findings presented in table one above, for 44% of the sample were from the age group of 25 30 yrs, 36% of the sample were from the age group of 21 25 and 20% of them were from 15 20 yrs.

Employment status

12 10 8 6 4 2 0

# of samples

Key Repondents
Employed Unemployed Professional Self - employed

Figure two (2): the histogram above shows the employment status of respondents.

Figure 2 shows the employment status of respondents within the community of Beacon Hill, Bath. It can be see that 44% were unemployed in the area, 36% were employed, 8% were professional and 12% were self employed.

Which illegal drugs are mainly abused by young people within the community of Beacon Hill, Bath?
14 12 10 # of samples 8 6 4 2 0 Marijuana Cocaine respondents Heroine Ash oil

Figure three (3): A bar chart showing the types of illegal drugs that are mainly abused by young people.

Figure 3 shows that 4% sample indicate that ash oil were mainly abused while 16% of the sample suggested that heroine is abused also, as for cocaine, 36% of the sample believe it is mainly abused. The vast majority 48% revealed that marijuana is mainly abused by young people.

What are some of the Reasons why young people in Beacon Hill, Bath use illegal drugs?

16 14 12 # of sample 10 8 6 4 2 0 Curiosity Peer Pressure To relief stress To be relaxed Respondents

Figure four (4): shows the reasons why young people use illegal drugs.

Figure 4 shows that for 12% of the sample, the usage of illegal drugs help to relief stress. For another 8% of the sample, young people abuse illegal drugs because of curiosity, 60% of the sample says that young people use illegal drugs because of peer pressure and 20% of the sample indicated that they use illegal drugs to be relaxed.

What is the main effect that illegal drugs have on the lives of young people?

Options Financial problems as money use to buy illegal drugs Health related problems Anxiety problems Family break downs

Percentages 20% 48% 12% 20%

Table (2): showing the effects of illegal drugs on the lives of young people.

Table 2 shows that 20% of the respondents believed that the use of illegal drugs can affect the lives of young people financially while 48% revealed that their lives can be affect by health related problems. Anxiety problems have the least amount of respondent which shows 12% of the sample. 20% of the respondents believed that young people lives can be affected by family break downs.

What are some Programmes that the government can put in place for those who are involved in usage of illegal drugs in Beacon Hill, Bath?

Key
8% Rehabilitation Programme 16% Public drugs education programme 56% 20% Mentorship programme Health Fairs

Figure five (5): some programs that the government can put in place for drug abusers.

Figure 5 shows a pie graph of different types of programs for those who are involved in the usage of illegal drugs. 8% of the respondents suggested that health fairs can help the abusers, 16% suggested that mentorship programmes while 20% said that public drugs education programmmes will help. The majority of the responses are for rehabilitation programmes which have 56%.

Analysis and Interpretation of data

According to the data shown in figure four (4), 60% of the sample stated that peer pressure was the main cause of the usage of illegal drugs among young people in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath. The researcher believed this might be so as a result of high risk behavior which includes juvenile delinquency. The research carried out as shown in table two (2) that the effect of the usage of illegal drugs have on the lifes of young people in the community of Beacon Hill, Bath was by health related problems which was 48% of the sample. This is so because of the increasing of death which is caused by chronic diseases. According to the website: www.jamaica-gleaner.com, posted on Sunday October 17, 2010, that the health minister, Rudyard Spencer, said his ministry, in 2001, produced a report which showed that one of twelve (12) person with HIV/AIDS and coronary heart disease had used crack or cocaine and marijuana. The researcher has realized that from the figure three (3) a vast majority of the sample was revealed by 48% that marijuana was the main illegal drug mostly used by young people of Beacon Hill, Bath. The researcher believed that it might be so because young people believed that with the use of marijuana it will help them to become relaxed and relief stress. According to the book, Human/Social Biology, written by Mr. Phil Gadd, marijuana is also known as ganja and is taken to produce euphoria (to get high) and is followed later by low with feelings of despair. The research also stated that 52% of the sample revealed that the males are highly interested to reduce the usage of illegal drug abused by young people of Beacon Hill, Bath. According to the information depicted in figure five (5) the majority of 56% of the sample stated that a rehabilitation programme can be put in place to help those who involve in usage of illegal drugs in Beacon Hill, Bath. This will teach them that the usage of any illegal drug can harm the body and will help them to stop abuse illegal drugs. It was stated on the website: www.go60.com that a rehabilitation programme is important whether a patient has just been out of a hospital due to cardiac problems, if a patient has just been on a tragic accident or if a patient has been abusing drugs. However, rehabilitation method differ from one (1) patient to the next. This is because patients of drug abuse need to undergo withdrawal, behaviour therapies, psychological support and the other treatments to ensure immediate and long lasting results.

Findings

The researcher has revealed a number of deficiencies with the use of illegal drugs in Beacon Hill, Bath. The findings include: 1. The main effect of the usage of illegal drugs among young people is that 48% of the sample revealed that their lifes can affected by health related problems. 2. Peer pressure was revealed as the main causes of the usage of illegal drugs. This was indicated by 60%. 3. In the community of Beacon Hill, Bath the residents say that marijuana was the illegal drugs that was mainly abused by young people. It was indicated by 48%of the sample.

Recommendation
Health related problems could be hugely reduced of young people had to enroll in visiting the doctor for regular checkups for any chronic diseases. The usage of marijuana can be reduced by implementing strict rules/laws about the usage of the illegal drug.

Implementation
Member of the bath community sports club can invite members from health departments to lecture to the residents of Beacon Hill, Bath on the harmful effects of the usage of illegal drugs and also a health free day where they are checkup and treated if they are ill.

Bibliography
Gadd, Phil, ed. Human and Social Biology for CSEC Examinations. Jamaica: Kingston 5, Beechwood Avenue, 2003.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080130/news/news1.html

http://www.go60.com/articles/rehabilitation/rehabilitation.html

Appendix

Stress and drug abuse

published: Wednesday | November 2, 2005

THE NORMAL, daily lives of most Jamaicans have been disrupted in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma, tropical depressions and relentless rainfall. The emotional impact of the present situation is affecting persons in various ways. Commuting is now time-consuming and more exhausting. Many workers and students are sleep deprived. Some are responding to stress by reaching for alcohol, cigarettes or other drugs. These times may be more difficult for persons vulnerable to substance abuse or recovering from addiction. We all need to be alert to the fact that there is now a special need for community care and support. STRESS AND STRESSORS Exposure to stress is one of the most powerful triggers for relapse to substance abuse in addicted individuals. Stressors differ for each of us but researchers have identified how the body responds to stress. Experts say that stress causes the release of the neurotransmitter, norephinephrine and increases the production of a hormone in the body called Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF). CRF is found in the brain and initiates our biological response to stressors. During all negative experiences, certain regions of the brain show increased levels of CRF. Mild or acute stress can produce useful changes such as improving our attention and increasing our capacity to store and integrate life-protecting information. Prolonged stress causes these changes to become harmful. Most drugs that are abused also cause increased CRF levels. This suggests a connection between stress and drug abuse. Stressful events and exposure to trauma may have a powerful influence on drug abuse. Persons may return to drug abuse after long periods of abstinence. Children may be affected far into the future. Much of the damage may be prevented if we pay attention to our emotional well-being and turn to healthy ways to manage stress. STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS You must learn to recognise stress and then find someone whom you can talk with about your concern. Here are 10 helpful tips to keep stress under control: 1. Take 15-20 minutes per day to sit quietly, breathe deeply and think of peaceful situations. 2. Learn to accept the things that you cannot change. 3. Count to 10 before answering when you feel angry. 4. Look for the good in situations instead of the bad. 5. Exercise regularly and work off the stress. 6. Think ahead about what may upset you and try to avoid it; remove yourself from stressful situations. 7. Learn to say no. Don't overwhelm yourself, handle each task as it comes or prioritise. 8. Try to get enough sleep as lack of rest aggravates stress. 9. Do not use overeating or drugs to cope with stress as these make things worse. 10. Do something for others to help to get your mind off yourself. It is time to seek professional help if stress is interfering with your school work, job performance or social life. It is propitious that November is Drug Awareness Month during which time we will be constantly reminded about the importance of avoiding drug use and abuse to escape present realities.

Information about Rehabilitation Services, Centers and More Rehabilitation is defined as a combination of methods that are focused in restoring the patients useful life. Whether you have been in an accident or just experienced a medical problem, rehabilitation could help your body achieve the normal daily functions by different kinds of recovery techniques. Rehabilitation is important whether a patient has just been out from a hospital due to cardiac problems, if a patient has just been on a tragic accident, or if a patient has been abusing drugs or alcohol. Whether physical or psychological, rehabilitation from diseases, injuries or disorders is important to improve ones medical and mental health through different techniques, medication and support. However, rehabilitation methods differ from one patient to the next. This is because patients of drug and alcohol abuse need to undergo withdrawal, behavior therapies, psychological support and other treatments to ensure immediate and long-lasting results. On the other hand, rehabilitation from injuries and diseases need constant care and supervision from health experts in improving function abilities and maintaining proper medical health. Different Kinds of Rehabilitation Any kind of rehabilitation strives to meet one goal to improve the lives of those who have been diagnosed with a disease, who have experienced injuries or who have chronic drug addiction. For patients who have been diagnosed with diseases, such as lung and heart problems, spinal disorders, cancer or other disease that may affect physical functions, rehabilitation can provide the needed help for the patients to return to work or home. When a person undergoes rehabilitation after a disease, experts examine the patient by treating symptoms, addressing risk factors, providing counseling or family support and restoring the physical fitness. If a person has gone through injuries from sports, accidents or other reasons, rehabilitation can help in improving functionality of movements and maximizing ones health. Through this kind of rehabilitation, not only is the physical aspects covered, but also the mental, psychological and sociological aspects in achieving full recovery. Rehabilitation from injuries requires constant care by providing exercise therapies to regain muscles lost and recover from trauma experienced by allowing contact to other patients who have experienced similar injuries. Patients who need rehabilitation from alcohol or drug abuse require treatment programs that are as complicated as rehabilitation from injuries and diseases. This is because each treatment is conducted individually to fit the patients medical, physical and psychological needs. Rehabilitation, regardless of cause and treatments needed, can help people in regaining their social status by enabling them to live normal and healthy lives.

Clinics to combat substance abuse

published: Wednesday | January 30, 2008

Minister of Health Rudyard Spencer stands to give his address during the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) launch of 10 community clinics for substance abusers and their families at the Knutsford Court Hotel yesterday. Applauding the Health Minister is Michael Tucker, NCDA executive director. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

With some 187,000 Jamaicans addicted to various substances, the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) yesterday launched 10 community clinics for substance abusers and their families. The aim of the two-year pilot project is to operate a comprehensive intervention programme for substance abusers, children, adolescents and their families at the community level. The centres will be operated through partnership with community-based non-governmental organisations and tertiary level training institutions. Breakdown in family "There is a continued growing concern about family, as breakdown in family life and poor parenting is believed to cause many negative effects on society and health," said Michael Tucker, executive director of the NCDA, during the launch of the programme, at the Knutsford Court Hotel. He continued: "There is evidence of our youths being depressed, promiscuous, exhibiting behavioural problems, experimenting with drugs, attempting suicide and becoming parents at an early age." Tucker said the centres would offer targeted interventions, which include professional counselling and support, parenting skills training, life skill training for substance abusers and adolescents and counsellor development workshops. A referral service will also be available, whereby cases that cannot be dealt with at the centres would be sent to the institutions that provide the help needed. In his remarks, Rudyard Spencer, minister of health, said all Jamaicans should be concerned about the increase in the number of young people who are using drugs. Citing the 2006 National School Survey for Jamaica, Spencer noted that it was revealed that an illegal drug was used by 44 per cent of the 4,536 students who were randomly sampled across 70 schools. High-risk behaviours He said there was a well-known link between drug abuse and high-risk behaviours such as unprotected sex and crime and violence, which have a significant impact on the public health system. The health minister said his ministry, in 2001, produced a report which showed that one out of 12 persons with HIV/AIDS had used crack or cocaine. "It is clear that a successful substance use and abuse prevention and treatment programme would have a positive impact on cross cutting areas such as crime and violence and HIV/AIDS," Spencer said. The programme is sponsored by the National Health Fund (NHF) to the tune of $11.8 million. Rosemarie Lee, public information officer at the NHF, said any programme aimed at prevention of drug abuse is worth funding. "But it is our view that one of the most effective ways to assist those who have fallen prey to this negative habit is through a programme of support at the community level," s