DRUG ABUSE AMONG TEENS IN BARANGAY 176 BAGONG SILANG CALOOCAN CITY: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

Drug abuse among adolescents in Barangay 176 Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, is a pressing concern influenced by factors such as curiosity, peer pressure, and family dysfunction. Despite various prevention efforts, the prevalence of drug use among teens remains alarmingly high.​  Demographic Context of Barangay 176 Bagong Silang  Prior to its division in 2024, Barangay 176 Bagong Silang was the most populous barangay in the Philippines, with a population of 261,729, accounting for approximately 15.75% of Caloocan City's total population. This densely populated area has faced unique challenges, including high rates of poverty and exposure to various social issues.​    Prevalence and Initiation of Drug Use  In the Philippines, nearly half of drug abuse cases reportedly begin among individuals aged 15 to 19, according to the Dangerous Drugs Board. A study involving 9,263 Filipino adolescents found a 4.2% prevalence rate of alcohol and cannabis co-use, highlighting the early onset of substance use. ​   Contributing Factors to Adolescent Drug Abuse  Curiosity and Peer Influence: Adolescents often experiment with drugs out of curiosity or under peer pressure, seeking acceptance and social belonging. This experimentation can lead to habitual use. ​ getsmartaboutdrugs.gov +4  Family Dysfunction: Family-related factors, such as exposure to substance abuse, lack of supervision, and poor communication, significantly contribute to adolescent drug use. A history of familial substance abuse increases the likelihood of teens engaging in similar behaviors. ​   Consequences of Drug Abuse Among Teens  The repercussions of drug abuse during adolescence are multifaceted:​  Addiction: Early drug use can lead to substance use disorders, with teens developing dependencies that are challenging to overcome. ​   Mental Health Issues: Drug use is associated with mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, complicating emotional and psychological well-being. ​   Academic and Social Challenges: Substance abuse impairs judgment and leads to risky behaviors, including unsafe sexual practices, resulting in unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections. ​   Legal and Health Risks: Engaging in illegal drug use exposes teens to legal consequences and serious health risks, including the potential for overdose and long-term health complications.​  Addressing the Issue in Barangay 176 Bagong Silang  Addressing adolescent drug abuse in Barangay 176 Bagong Silang requires a comprehensive approach:​  Community-Based Interventions: Implement programs that involve local stakeholders, including schools, families, and community leaders, to create supportive environments that deter drug use.​  Family Support Initiatives: Provide resources and education to families to strengthen communication, supervision, and resilience against substance abuse.​  Peer Education and Mentorship: Develop peer-led initiatives that promote healthy behaviors and provide positive role models to counteract peer pressure.​  Accessible Mental Health Services: Ensure that adolescents have access to mental health support to address underlying issues contributing to drug use.​  By understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by adolescents in Barangay 176 Bagong Silang, targeted interventions can be developed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and its associated harms. The study on drug abuse among teens in Barangay 176 Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, you employed purposive sampling to select 50 respondents: 20 Barangay officials and 30 teens. Data analysis was conducted using weighted mean and frequency distributions to identify the causes and consequences of drug abuse.  Sampling Methodology  Purposive sampling, also known as judgmental or selective sampling, involves deliberately choosing individuals based on specific characteristics relevant to the research. This non-probability sampling technique is particularly useful when the researcher seeks to gain insights from particular subgroups possessing certain traits or experiences. However, it's important to acknowledge that purposive sampling may introduce selection bias, as it does not provide every individual in the population with an equal chance of being selected. This could limit the generalizability of the findings to the broader population. ​   Data Analysis Techniques  Frequency Distribution: This technique organizes data to show how often each response occurs, providing a clear picture of the distribution of responses. It's particularly effective for categorical data, allowing researchers to identify patterns and frequencies of specific responses. ​  Weighted Mean: The weighted mean accounts for the varying importance or frequency of different responses by assigning weights to them. This method is beneficial when certain responses have more significance than others. In your study, applying the weighted mean would allow for a more nuanced understanding of the data, reflecting the relative importance of different causes and consequences of drug abuse as perceived by the respondents.​  Considerations for Sample Size  Determining an appropriate sample size for qualitative research is crucial to ensure data saturation and the credibility of findings. While recommendations vary, some studies suggest that 6 to 12 interviews may be sufficient for data saturation. However, other sources recommend larger sample sizes; for example, a study suggests that 20 to 30 interviews are appropriate for qualitative research. Given that your study includes 50 respondents, it falls within the typical range for qualitative research, potentially providing a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Study provides valuable insights into the demographic characteristics of respondents and their perspectives on factors influencing drug abuse among teens in Barangay 176 Bagong Silang, Caloocan City.​  Demographic Profile of Respondents  Sex: 56% of respondents are male.​ Civil Status: 90% are single.​ Educational Attainment: 58% are college graduates.​ Analysis of Survey Questions  The weighted means for the survey questions suggest the following interpretations:​  Q1: Curiosity as a Motivator for Drug Experimentation  A weighted mean of 3.08 indicates a moderate agreement among respondents that curiosity leads teens to experiment with illegal drugs.​  Q2: Influence of Bullying and Negative Perceptions on Self-Esteem  With a weighted mean of 3.10, respondents moderately agree that experiences of bullying and negative perceptions can decrease self-confidence and self-worth among teens.​  Q3: Using Drugs to Escape Reality Due to Family Stress  A weighted mean of 3.54 reflects a moderate to strong agreement that teens sometimes turn to drugs to cope with stress from home and family pressures.​  Interpreting Weighted Means  In social science research, weighted means help assess the intensity of respondents' opinions, with higher values indicating stronger agreement. While specific interpretation scales can vary, a general guideline is:​  1.00 – 1.49: Strongly Disagree​ 1.50 – 2.49: Disagree​  2.50 – 3.49: Agree​ 3.50 – 4.00: Strongly Agree The initiative to encourage Barangay 176 Bagong Silang to promote healthy, non-pressuring conversations between parents and teens is commendable. Such efforts can significantly enhance teen self-esteem and reduce the likelihood of engaging in criminal activities and substance abuse.​  Benefits of Open Communication and Parental Involvement  Enhanced Self-Esteem: Open dialogues allow teens to feel valued and understood, fostering a positive self-image. Recognizing their efforts and providing honest feedback can reinforce their confidence. ​   Prevention of Risky Behaviors: Understanding their social circles enables parents to guide teens away from detrimental influences. Studies indicate that parental monitoring and strong relationships are linked to reduced substance abuse. ​   Recommended Strategies for Parents  Engage in Active Listening: Create a safe environment where teens feel comfortable sharing their thoughts without fear of judgment. This approach fosters trust and openness. ​  Support Extracurricular Activities: Encouraging participation in hobbies and interests not only enriches their lives but also diverts attention from potential negative influences.​  Provide Constructive Feedback: Acknowledge achievements and offer guidance on areas needing improvement, ensuring feedback is balanced and supportive. ​ PubMed Central +3 wellspringprevention.org +3 HPE Public Health +3  Be Informed About Their Social Circle: Getting to know their friends and understanding peer dynamics can help parents address potential issues proactively. ​   Set Clear Boundaries with Empathy: Establish rules and consequences collaboratively, ensuring teens understand the rationale behind them, which promotes respect and compliance. ​  Barangay's Role in Supporting Parents  Organize Workshops and Seminars: Provide platforms where parents can learn effective communication techniques and strategies to support their teens.​  Distribute Informational Materials: Offer resources that highlight the importance of parental involvement and provide practical tips for daily interactions.​  Foster Community Support Networks: Create support groups where parents can share experiences and advice, building a community of informed and proactive caregivers.​  By implementing these measures, Barangay 176 Bagong Silang can cultivate a community where teens feel supported and valued, leading to healthier choices and a reduction in drug-related issues.