Status of Drugs and Substance Abuse among the General Population in Kenya

This study was undertaken between November and December 2016 as a follow-up to two other studies conducted in 2007 and 2012 to assess the status of drugs and substance abuse in Kenya. The study covered respondents aged 15 – 65 years who were identified through stratified multi-stage random sampling. The 3,362 sampled households were distributed proportionately across the eight regions of Kenya. According to the findings, the prevalence of current usage of alcohol among respondents aged 15 – 65 years stands at 12.2%, tobacco 8.3%, khat 4.1% and bhang / marijuana 1.0%. Data on current use of multiple drugs and substances of abuse among respondents aged 15 - 65 years shows that the prevalence stands at 6.0%. Further, the study shows that the prevalence of alcohol use disorders among respondents aged 15 - 65 years stands at 10.4%, tobacco use disorders stand at 6.8%, khat use disorders stands at 3.1% and bhang / marijuana use disorders stands at 0.8%. Although findings point towards a downward trend on usage, the burden of substance use disorders presents a serious challenge for the country. The study therefore lays emphasis on evidence-based prevention programs as well as increasing access to affordable treatment and rehabilitation services in Keny

Alcohol Use Disorders and Associated Determinants among Public Sector Employees in Kenya

Global data estimates that 237 million men and 46 million women have alcohol use disorders (AUDs) representing 5.1% of adults. Despite the growing burden of AUDs in the general population, there is limited attention on the situation in the workplace. Further, there is limited evidence to inform tailored interventions specific to the public sector workplace. This study therefore aimed to assess the status of AUDs and associated determinants among public sector employees in Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2020 – May 2021 where a total of 9,422 public sector employees were interviewed. Results showed that the lifetime prevalence of alcohol use among public sector employees in Kenya was 44.5%; the annual or 12 – month prevalence was 34.2%; and the 30 – day prevalence was 23.8%. Results also showed that 13.2% of the public sector employees presented with an AUD where 5.7% met the criteria for mild AUD, 3.0% moderate AUD and 4.5% severe AUD. Findings of the multinomial logistic regression analysis also showed that public sector employees who were male; married; separated/widowed/divorced; employed for 5 – 14 years; with temporary employment terms; from a state corporation; and from a medium sized public sector institution (PSI) were significantly associated with exposure to AUDs. Even though evidence showed a high burden of AUDs among employees in the public sector workplace, the problem was not generalized. Findings revealed AUDs risk disperaties across gender, marital status, duration of service, nature of employment, category of workplace and institutional size. The study therefore underscored the need for implementation of target specific interventions in the public sector workplace sensitive to the intricate dynamics of employee sub-group characteristics.&nbsp

Emerging Trends on Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs in Kenya

The last decade has experienced increased availability of substances in the drug markets and the growth of a dynamic market for non-medical use of prescription drugs. Data suggests that non-medical use of prescription drugs exceeds many illicit drugs. Despite the growing global problem of non-medical use of prescription drugs, it has not been accorded the much needed attention especially in Africa and Kenya in particular. The study therefore aimed to establish evidence of non-medical use of prescription drugs in Kenya. The study used an exploratory cross-sectional design. The study was conducted in the eight regions of Kenya where 18 purposively sampled counties were covered. The study relied on non-probability sampling methods. Results of laboratory analysis confirmed that antidepressants, antipsychotic, anticholinergic, opioid analgesics, anaesthetics and antihistamines were the most prevalent prescription drugs for non-medical use. The study established evidence of non-medical use of prescription drugs. Towards addressing this emerging problem, the study recommends the need for more stringent measures to control prescription drugs with high potential for abuse; engagement of the law enforcement agencies and the healthcare providers to suppress diversion of prescription drugs for non-medical use; and implementation of demand reduction strategies aimed at prevention and education of those at risk on the potential harms and other adverse consequences of non-medical use of prescriptions drugs

Status of drugs and substance abuse among Secondary School students in Kenya

oai:ojs.ajada.nacada.go.ke:article/1Early initiation of substance use increases the risk of future substance use disorders and other negative outcomes. This study conducted between March and June 2016 explored the secondary students’ drugs and substance use behaviour and related risk factors. Using a sampling frame of schools registered with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, 77 secondary schools were randomly sampled. A total of 3,908 students (60% male and 40% female) in all the eight regions of Kenya were interviewed. According to the study findings, the age of initiating the different drugs and substances of abuse among secondary school students was 13 to 15 years. Data also showed that alcohol (23.4%) was the most commonly used substance of abuse by students followed by khat / miraa (17.0%), prescription drugs (16.1%), tobacco (14.5%), bhang / marijuana (7.5%), inhalants (2.3%), heroin (1.2%) and cocaine (1.1%). Among the risk factors associated with drugs and substances of abuse among secondary school students were: being male; being in upper classes; having a family member or friend using drugs or other substances of abuse; and knowledge of a schoolmate using drugs or other substances of abuse. The findings therefore concluded that the secondary schools in Kenya were not drug free environments and therefore there is need to entrench life skills in the school curriculum; enhancing parenting skills and positive role modeling; and capacity building of guidance and counseling teachers to effectively deal with the challenges of students’ drugs and substances ofabuse