Introduction
The prevalence of anxiety among students is an alarming trend that is increasing due to the heavy curriculum load and lack of support. Accordingly, this problem affects the appearance of addictions similar to those of psychoactive substances. Because of the fact that students are faced with stressors, they resort to drugs to alleviate their condition (Tsekane & Amone-P’Olak, 2019). The purpose of this study is to draw a correlation between these factors and find out how relevant they are for students at the University of Botswana.
Background
The prevalence of anxiety among students is a serious threat as it can lead to negative consequences for them. This can manifest itself in the form of generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic disorder, which significantly worsens the quality of life of students (Mofatteh, 2021). Moreover, such a moral state can lead to Substance abuse, which develops in students as a coping mechanism (Amone-P’Olak & Omech, 2021). University life’s academic and social pressures can provoke students to resort to extreme measures to alleviate the situation (Siamisang et al., 2022). This problem is widespread worldwide, and at the University of Botswana, it is relevant and requires research. Thus, it will be possible to find the relationship between these two factors in more detail.
Objectives and Methodology
One of the study’s main objectives is to assess the prevalence of anxiety among students at the University of Botswana. In addition, an important objective is determining the prevalence of substance abuse among students at the University of Botswana (Siamisang et al., 2021). This leads to a final goal of clarifying the relationship between the prevalence of anxiety and substance abuse (Haas & Hadjar, 2020; Opondo et al., 2020).
To do this, it is necessary to select suitable methods. Quantitative research is an essential option that can comprehensively study the problem. In addition, a cross-sectional survey with one-time data collection is required. The participants in this study will be students from different faculties at the University of Botswana. Data collection will be carried out using questionnaires that will be distributed to students in class. At the same time, the respondents will be provided complete anonymity and safety of their personal data to receive honest answers (Karugaba et al., 2023). Additional demographic questions will collect age, gender, and other relevant information (Getachew, 2020). The analysis of the obtained data will be carried out using descriptive statistics.
Expected Outcomes and Implications
The results of the study may reveal a difference or correlation between the occurrence of anxiety among University of Botswana students and excessive substance use. The study is expected to show a significant association between anxiety levels and substance abuse. Thus, this would suggest that to eliminate this negative consequence, measures will need to be taken to reduce students’ anxiety (Amakali-Nauiseb et al., 2021). The results can be implemented to improve the quality of teaching at the University of Botswana.
Conclusion
Conducting a study is essential to determine the relationship between anxiety levels and excessive substance use. The use of quantitative methodology will allow us to study all aspects of the origin of addictions and excessive use of psychoactive substances. Gathering information at the University of Botswana among undergraduate students can show statistics and how widespread the problem of anxiety is. The expected results can be used to develop strategic tools to influence the current situation.
References
Amakali-Nauiseb, T., Nakweenda, M., & Ndafenongo, S. (2021). Prevalence of determinants of stress, anxiety and depression among students at the Main Campus University of Namibia: Community activity in Celebration of World Health Mental Day. Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 10(2). Web.
Amone-P’Olak, K., & Omech, B. (2021). Prevalence, distribution and attributable risks of cannabis use in young adults with generalised anxiety disorder at a University in Botswana. African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies, 20(2), 143-158. Web.
Getachew, A. (2020). Assessment of guidance and counselling service centre in higher education institutions: A qualitative research. Int J Sch Cogn Psychol, 7(2), 1-6. Web.
Haas, C., & Hadjar, A. (2020). Students’ trajectories through higher education: A review of quantitative research. Higher Education, 79, 1099-1118. Web.
Karugaba, G., Thupayagale-Tshweneagae, G., Moleki, M. M., & Matshaba, M. (2023). Challenges and coping strategies among young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV infection in Botswana. A qualitative study. Plos one, 18(4), e0284467. Web.
Mofatteh, M. (2021). Risk factors associated with stress, anxiety, and depression among university undergraduate students. AIMS public health, 8(1), 36. Web.
Opondo, P. R., Olashore, A. A., Molebatsi, K., Othieno, C. J., & Ayugi, J. O. (2020). Mental health research in Botswana: a semi-systematic scoping review. Journal of International Medical Research, 48(10). Web.
Siamisang, K., Kebadiretse, D., & Masupe, T. (2021). University of Botswana public health medicine unit contributions to the national covid-19 response. Pan African Medical Journal, 39(1). Web.
Siamisang, K., Kebadiretse, D., Tjirare, L. T., Muyela, C., Gare, K., & Masupe, T. (2022). Prevalence and predictors of depression, anxiety and stress among frontline healthcare workers at COVID-19 isolation sites in Gaborone, Botswana. Plos One, 17(8), e0273052. Web.
Tsekane, M., & Amone-P’Olak, K. (2019). Self-efficacy as a predictor of alcohol use among students at a University in Botswana. African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies, 18(2), 69-84. Web.