University Support Systems and the Substance Abuse Crisis: A Zambian University Perspective

Abstract

Background: Drug and substance abuse remains a significant global public health and social challenge, with growing implications for higher education institutions. Universities are increasingly expected to respond to the complex and evolving substance use patterns among students through comprehensive and responsive support systems. This study explored how student support services in public universities respond to rising incidents of drug and substance abuse among students.
Methods: The study adopted a qualitative descriptive research design involving 94 participants. Expert purposive sampling was used to select university support service providers, while students were recruited through criterion purposive sampling based on their engagement with support services, year of study, and willingness to participate. Data were collected through five focus group discussions (15 students per group, organised by year of study) and 19 in-depth interviews with key categories of student support service providers. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data.
Results: Findings revealed that although student support services and anti-substance abuse structures existed within institutional frameworks, student awareness and utilisation of these services were limited. Weak enforcement of anti-substance abuse regulations, coupled with the emergence of drug sale hotspots within halls of residence, undermined the effectiveness of existing support systems. Participants further reported gaps in strategic support services, absence of functional whistleblowing platforms, and inadequate campus security measures, all of which constrained timely identification, prevention, and response to substance abuse.
Conclusion: The study highlights an urgent need to strengthen and reorient student support services to address substance abuse more effectively within public universities. A proactive, multi-sectoral approach is recommended, emphasising enforcement of regulations, improved campus security, establishment of confidential reporting mechanisms, and sustained student engagement through awareness and prevention campaigns to foster a supportive and informed university community.