African Journal of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Alcohol and Substance Use Harm Reduction Through Prevention and Advocacy: A Child-To-Child Based Approach

Don Paul Odhiambo, Brian Magwaro, Blue Cross Kenya — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

According to Blue Cross Kenya (BCK) project’s theory of change, a comprehensive prevention approach can produce mutually reinforcing effect to reduce risk factors and enhance protection factors related to substance use and mental health. The three main areas are: 1) Influencing leaders and authorities on policy issues regarding alcohol and mental health. 2) Life-skills education through 30 school clubs and 4 youth centers, with about 2,000 participants. Life skills include processes that contribute positively in the development of children and young people and thus also give them resources to withstand challenges in life. Parents and teachers also receive guidance to strengthen protection factors. 3) Mobilization of children and young people, parents, communities, and other organizations. The purpose of this study conducted on 13 October 2022, was to assess the impact, significance and effectiveness of using a comprehensive Child- To-Child Approach in prevention and advocacy. The study targeted children and young people aged 10–22 in lower primary school and secondary schools in Kisumu County. The study adopted a mixed method and exploratory approach involving use of both quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection. A total of 360 children were sampled from 24 clubs. 240 parents linked with the same clubs were also sampled. Majority of the parents mentioned that their children were able to manage their emotions better (72.1%); were more confident (76.7%) and made better life choices (79.5%). On effectiveness, the study established that a majority of the expected results (81%) were achieved making the project highly effective. Concerning impact, almost all parents (95.6%) reported that there were changes from the life skills training and 95.2% of them said they experienced positive changes. The study recommended implementation of a similar approach in alcohol prevention and eradication in the non-project schools and the surrounding communities in the country.

Barriers to Utilization of Harm Reduction and Drug Rehabilitation Services among Female Drug Users in Kenya

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

There are an estimated 3.2 million women who inject drugs (WUD) globally, constituting 20% of all people who inject drugs. Notwithstanding the significant proportion of female drug users (FDUs) in Kenya, anecdotal reports from harm reduction and drug rehabilitation facilities have continued to record low utilization rates of the existing support services. Despite these alarming reports, there is limited data attempting to understand the barriers facing FDUs in need of harm reduction and drug rehabilitation services (HRDRS) in Kenya. The study therefore endeavored to investigate the barriers hindering access to HRDRS among FDUs in Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted using triangulation of multiple data collection methods. Findings showed that FDUs were primarily exposed to systemic barriers; socio-economic barriers; cultural and societal barriers. The most commonly reported systemic barriers were inadequate female friendly facilities; unavailability of baby friendly needs; recruitment challenges; and access challenges by pregnant or breastfeeding FDUs. The key socio-economic barriers were parenting responsibilities; challenges of physical access; lack of opportunities for income generation; and high cost of drug rehabilitation. The cultural and societal barriers were manifested through stigma associated with the family, community, religion as well as the healthcare personnel. The study therefore concluded that the complex interplay of the systemic barriers; social economic barriers; and cultural and societal barriers were the main underlying risk factors impeding utilization of HRDRS in Kenya.

Exploration and description of challenges experienced by social workers when providing out-patient treatment services to individuals with Substance Use Disorders in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Thabisile Happiness Vilakazi, Thobeka Nkomo — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Social workers are increasingly becoming primary service providers to people with substance use disorders (SUDs) and their families. Hence, they face many challenges when providing treatment services. This qualitative study adopted an exploratory descriptive research design to explore challenges experienced by ten social workers during the provision of outpatient treatment services to individuals with substance use disorders in the Gauteng province. The study utilized non- probability purposive sampling to recruit and identify participants. Data collection was conducted through zoom meetings and one-on-one interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic data analysis was conducted manually to analyze the data collected from participants. This study indicated that outpatient treatment social workers are challenged by relapse, noncompliance, denial, reluctance and involuntary service users; poor family involvement and unrealistic expectations; safety issues and lack of organizational support. Thus, it is recommended that outpatient treatment organizations employ employee assistance practitioners to support social workers towards coping with challenging workplace experiences.

Feasibility, Acceptability and Utility of the Evidence-based “keepin’ it REAL” Substance Use Prevention Program for Early Adolescents in Kenyan Schools

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The growing prevalence of youth substance use in Kenya calls for the implementation of efficacious substance use prevention programs. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of an evidence-based substance use prevention program, keepin’ it REAL (kiR), in Kenyan secondary schools. The study had three objectives: (1) Test if the program can be successfully delivered by assessing whether teachers agreed that kiR was well suited to their educational context and engaged student participation (i.e., feasibility); (2) Test if teachers and students found the prevention program’s components applicable, appropriate and satisfactory (i.e., acceptability); (3) Test if teachers and students found the kiR program useful in imparting knowledge and motivating changes in attitudes and behaviors related to substance use (i.e., utility). Data were drawn from post-test evaluations completed by kiR students (N=348) and teacher-implementers (N=7) during a pilot test in two Nairobiarea secondary schools. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were coded and contentanalyzed. Students evaluated kiR positively: large majorities participated highly (feasibility); viewed kiR as highly satisfactory, interesting, and capturing their attention (acceptability); and reported it provided useful and highly applicable information (utility). Teachers were nearly unanimous that kiR was feasible, addressed youth substance use well and engaged student interest, but also noted technical issues in delivery (equipment, power interruptions), insufficient time to complete lessons, and a need for more training. Findings demonstrated that kiR is feasible for implementation in Kenya with attention to technical and class size challenges; with highly acceptable, applicable and satisfactory content; and demonstrable impact on acquiring knowledge and skills to help adolescents resist substance use. Future research is needed to adapt the implementation model for Kenya and test the efficacy of kiR in a randomized controlled trial with a larger and more representative sample of schools.

Influence of Codeine and Toluene Abuse on Criminal Behaviour among Youths in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria

Emmanuel Etim Uye, Peter O. Olapegba, Oluwaferami A. Ogundipe — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Criminal behaviour has increased in recent years in Nigeria. Violent crimes have graduated from the common petty offences to sophisticated crimes of mass killings, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery to bombing activities across the landscape. This study investigated the influence of Codeine and Toluene abuse on criminal behaviour among youths in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. Two Local Government Areas were purposively selected while accidental sampling technique was used to select 249 youths (154 males, 95 females) with age ranges from 15-35 years to respond to two adapted questionnaires: The Alcohol Abuse Disorders Identification Tests (AUDIT) and Comprehensive Misconduct Inventory (CMI) 58 (Update F). Data collected were screened, coded and analysed using SPSS Version 23. Descriptive statistic and t-test of independent sample means were used to summarize the data where the value of p <.05 was considered significant. The results indicated that prevalence of Toluene abuse among youths in Minna was 33.7% and Codeine 20.5%. The results further showed a significant difference in criminal behaviour between youths who abused Toluene and those who did not abuse Toluene [t (199) = -4.991, p <.05]. However, there was no significant difference in the level of criminal behaviour between youths who abused Codeine and those who did not abuse Codeine [t (199) = -.159, p >.05]. The study concluded that Toluene and Codeine abuse among youths tend to be progressively high in the study population. The study recommended that more attention should be given toward the possession, sale and abuse of Codeine and Toluene among youths by both law enforcement agencies and health institutions in Niger State and Nigeria.

The Influence of Drugs and Substance Use On Gender Based Violence Among Intimate Partners in Central and Coast Regions, Kenya

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a worldwide public health problem posing challenges in human health, with a higher prevalence in developing countries. Despite the growing problem of GBV globally, regionally and within the country, evidence on attribution of drugs and substance use (DSU) is limited. The study therefore endeavored to assess the influence of DSU on GBV among intimate partners (IPs) in Kenya. The study utilized a cross-sectional design where a total of 1374 respondents were interviewed targeting Central and Coast regions. Findings on GBV experience in last the last one year showed that psychological violence was the most commonly perpetrated form of GBV among IPs with a prevalence of 33.3% followed by economic violence 16.6%, physical violence 15.1% and lastly sexual violence 7.1%. Analysis of risk factors showed that region, gender, education and monthly income were significantly associated with physical violence; age and education were associated with psychological violence; religion was significantly associated with sexual violence; and gender, employment and education were significantly associated with economic violence among IPs. Results also showed that past month use of alcohol, tobacco, khat and cannabis were associated with physical violence; alcohol, tobacco and khat use were associated with psychological violence; alcohol, tobacco and khat use were associated with sexual violence; and alcohol and tobacco use were associated with economic violence. The study demonstrates the role of DSU towards aggravating the problem of all forms of GBV among IPs. The study therefore underscores the importance of DSU demand reduction and supply suppression interventions and programs as integral measures for the control of GBV.

Policy Brief on Cannabis Use in Kenya

Kirwa Lele, Adrian Njenga, John Muteti — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

No Abstract

Policy Brief on Drugs and Substance Use as a Risk Factor for Gender Based Violence among Intimate and Non-Intimate Partners

Kirwa Lelei, Adrian Njenga, John Muteti — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

No Abstract