Effects of Drug Abuse On HIV/AIDS Patients in Central Division, Jinja Municipality

ABSTRACT The major aim of the study was to establish the effects of drug abuse on HIV/AIDS patients in Jinja Central Division. The study also examined the effects of stimulant abuse to HIV/AIDS patients in Jinja Central Division, the effects of drug injection to HIV /AIDS patients in Jinja Central Division and the effects of inhalants to HIV /AIDS patients in Jinja Central Division. The related literature was based on other researchers and in reference to the stated specific objectives of the study. The study was guided by the theory of Cognitive Affective Pharmacogenic (CAP) that was cited to analyze the effects of drug abuse on HIV/AIDS patients. The stud followed a cross section design where both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The mixed method research provided strengths that offset the weaknesses of both quantitative and qualitative research. Thus, by using both types of research, the strengths of each approach made up for the weaknesses of the other. Mixed method research design determined strategies, tools and methods that was related to data collection and analysis. The findings showed that responses had a mean difference of 3.84 and the Standard Deviation was 0.867. In this case the results meant that, unpleasant side effects to human nature especially on the side of Fatigue, Anxiety among others. In conclusion, it was noted that, each time drug users rely on a drug to relieve tension and feel good about themselves, they become a little less capable of coping on their own. By using drugs to cope, the individual is cut off from learning other more adaptive coping mechanisms and becomes less tolerant of the pain of anxiety. The researcher recommended that, prevention programs should address all forms of drug abuse, alone or in combination, including the underage use of legal drugs (e.g., tobacco or alcohol); the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana or heroin); and the inappropriate use of legally obtained substances (e.g., inhalants), prescription medications, or over~the-co~mter drugs. The researcher also suggested that, thorough research should be carried out on Prevention programs that can be designed to intervene as early as infancy to address risk factors for drug abuse, such as aggressive behavior, poor social skills, and academic difficulties. This will enable the future generation to examine the intense way to prevent drug abuse in the society