Examining the causes of poor health among the youth of Kumi Municipality a case study of Kabata ward, Northern Division, Kumi Municipality

Abstract

This study examined the causes of poor health among the youth of Kumi Municipality, a case of Kabata Ward, Northern Division, Kumi Municipality. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the cultural, economic factors and individual health behaviour that lead to poor health among the youth of Kabata Ward, Northern Division, Kumi Municipality. The study specifically adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing a sample size of 20 respondents that were selected through purposive random sampling. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from the respondents. The study found out that cultural practices and beliefs; economic factors such as low income, low educational level and poor work environment; individual health behaviour such as drug and alcohol consumption and irresponsible sexual practices were responsible for poor health among the youth of Kabata Ward, Northern Division, Kumi Municipality. In conclusion, Cultural, Economic and Individual Health Behaviours have made a mix that has worked in concert to plague youth health in Kabata Ward, Northern Division, Kumi Municipality. The study recommends that the Uganda Government should regulate alcohol consumption, sensitize the youth on the dangers of alcohol and drug use, superstition, parental dependence among others. It should main stream sex education especially in alcohol selling joints, encourage democratic participation of all family members in decision making among youthful families and engender youth friendly health and economic services and finally enforce minimum health standards in work places and effective policing in the use of drugs.