Assessment of The Impact of Alcohol and Cannabis/Marijuana Use on Students’ Psychosocial Ramifications in Malawi’s Higher Education Institutions

Alcohol and cannabis/marijuana are substances used by Malawian students. Studies have connected an increase in mental health disorders to drug and substance addiction. However, there is limited evidence to support the impact of alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use on students’ psychosocial ramifications in Malawi’s HEIs. This study was conducted to assess the effects of alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use on students’ psychosocial ramifications. The study used mixed methods where quantitative and qualitative methods employed correlational and phenomenological designs, respectively. Quantitative data using closed-ended questions through an online survey was collected to assess the extent to which alcohol and cannabis/marijuana usage is connected with psychosocial impacts. Qualitative data using in-depth interviews via online surveys aided in understanding students’ impressions of the effects of alcohol and cannabis/marijuana usage on their psychosocial lives. Data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The study revealed high usage (96%) of alcohol and cannabis/marijuana among HEI students. This is attributed to stress and anxiety, boredom and depression, negative peer pressure, heartbreaks, academic obstacles, lifestyles of university/college students, relationship issues, lack of guidance and counseling, lack of resilience, lack of income, and social media influence. The r-value of seeking psychosocial help about alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use is 1.000 at a p-value of 1.000 (1-tailed). This implies a perfect linear relationship (one-to-one correspondence between the values of the variables). Hence, students involved in alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use are likely to seek psychosocial help. However, 77.5% of the respondents have not sought psychosocial help. This might be attributed to a lack of awareness and self-denial among students. Thus, HEI authorities/health practitioners must enforce rules and regulations on alcohol and cannabis/marijuana usage, provide guidance and counselling, engage students in various activities, e.g., sports, and ensure a drug-free campus.