Stress, perceived social support, and drinking motives among secondary school adolescents in Kampala

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Stress, Perceived Social Support, and Drinking Motives among Secondary School Adolescents in Kampala. A government school and a private school were selected. Respondents were students of Senior Five and Senior Six, both male and female. The study employed a quantitative approach and correlational study design. Ethical considerations according to UNCST 2019 were adhered to while collecting data. Random sampling was used to achieve an unbiased sample and the calculated sample size of participants to take part in the study was 144. Data was analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation to test hypothesis 1, 2 and 3 and Independent Sample T-test was used for hypothesis 4. Results revealed that there is no significant relationship between stress and drinking motives. Also, no significant relationship is found between stress and perceived social support. And lastly no significant relationship is found between perceived social support and drinking motives, among secondary school adolescents in Kampala. Although there were no gender differences in drinking motives, through inspecting mean scores the female participants scored higher on drinking motives with slightly higher mean scores except for social motives where males scored slightly higher compared to females. Based on the study findings, Proactive advocacy by various providers of social support like family, schools, and communities, should be done in order to encourage adolescents to seek out support from the various stake holders.