The Effect of Behavioural Activation Strategy on the Prevention of Drug Abuse by Early Adolescents in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon

This study investigated the effect of behavioural activation strategy on the prevention of drug abuse by adolescents in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. The sequential explanatory research design was adopted for this study. Data were collected first from students using a questionnaire through a pretest-intervention-posttest procedure, followed by the collection of qualitative data using an interview guide. The sample comprised of 80 students and 8 counsellors selected from 4 public secondary schools. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive (means, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, standard error of mean) and inferential statistics (independent sample T-test and Cohen’s d). Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis with the aid of themes and sample quotations. Data analysis were done using the Statistical Package for Social (SPSS) version 28.0 at P<0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that behavioural activation has a high effect on the prevention of drug abuse (t-test value = 4.00, critical value = 1.99, Cohen’s d = 0.90). This was corroborated by qualitative findings that keeping students busy in positively rewarding activities, reduces idleness and time they have to idle and take drugs. Being busy makes students think lesser about drug. It was recommended that School counsellors should incorporate behavioural activation techniques into their counselling programmes by encouraging students to participate in meaningful, healthy, and rewarding activities. Parents should keep children busy especially during the long holidays by enrolling them professional activities such as hair dressing, tailoring, piano lessons, mechanic, carpentry and so on. This will prevent them from moving about aimlessly and indulging in illicit acts like drug abuse.