African Journal of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (AJADA)
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Psychopathologies and parental factors as predictors of substance abuse among in-school adolescents in Akungba- Akoko, Nigeria
Full text linkSubstance abuse causes social problems to the individual, the family and the larger society if unresolved. Studies have investigated several predictors of substance abuse such as personality traits, self-esteem, parenting styles with varied results. However, studies linking psychopathologies and parental factors to substance abuse are scarce. Therefore, this study investigated psychopathologies of depression, anxiety and stress and parental factors of family system and family system as predictors of substance abuse among in-school adolescents in Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design while simple random sampling technique was used to select six secondary schools in Akungba-Akoko metropolis. Data were collected from 234 participants using Drug Use Scale (DAST-20) and Depression Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) scale and analyzed using multiple regression statistics. One hypothesis was tested and accepted at p =.001 level of significance. The result revealed that psychopathologies of depression, anxiety, stress, and parental factors of family types and family systems jointly predicted substance abuse among in-school adolescents [R2= .27, F(5, 217) =10.54, p = .001]. However, depression (β =0.31, p >.05), stress (β =.0.26, p >.05), anxiety (β = -0.09, p >.05), family types (β = 0.33, p >.05), and family systems (β = 0.07, p >.05) did not independently predict substance abuse among in-school adolescents. The study concluded that psychopathologies and parental factors jointly predicted substance abuse while these factors did not independently predict substance abuse among in-school adolescents. It is recommended that parents, school authority and government agencies should work in synergy to educate and implement programmes that would reduce the tendency of in-school adolescents going into substance abuse
Self-Esteem, Health Locus of Control and Resilient Personality as Predictors of Substance Abuse among In-School Adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria
Full text linkSubstance abuse has become a recurring issue that affects the individual, family and the society with enormous costs. The issue is more disturbing as more in-school adolescents are getting into substance abuse that is threatening the social fabric of the society. Studies have investigated several predictors of substance abuse with varied results. Therefore, this study examined self- esteem, health locus of control and resilient personality as predictors of substance abuse among in-school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design using purposive sampling technique to select six secondary schools in Ibadan metropolis. Data were collected from 309 participants using validated questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using t-test for independent samples and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that self-esteem [t (307) = 7.24, p < 0.05], health locus of control [t (307) = 4.10, p < 0.05] and resilient personality [t (307) = 3.10, p< 0.05] significantly influenced substance abuse among in-school adolescents. Also, the results revealed that self-esteem, health locus of control and resilient personality jointly predicted substance abuse among study participants [R2 = 0.14, F (3, 299) = 9.37, p < 0.05]. Finally, the results showed that health locus of control (β = 0.31, p <0.05) and resilient personality (β = 0.45, p< 0.05) independently predicted substance abuse among in-school adolescents. The study concluded that self-esteem, health locus of control and resilient personality are strong predictors of substance abuse among in-school adolescents. The study recommended that government and other stakeholders should design and implement programmes that will help to improve self-esteem, health locus of control and resiliency among in-school adolescents to reduce attraction to substance abus
How can faith and community based organizations help scale-up the fight against early exposure to alcohol, drugs and substance abuse among the youth in Kenya
Full text linkFeasibility, Acceptability and Utility of the Evidence-based “keepin’ it REAL” Substance Use Prevention Program for Early Adolescents in Kenyan Schools
Full text linkThe 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
Full text linkCriminal 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 Nigeri
Policy Brief on Drugs and Substance Use as a Risk Factor for Gender Based Violence among Intimate and Non-Intimate Partners.
Full text linkGender based violence (GBV) is a global public health problem that poses challenges in human health, with a higher prevalence in developing countries. GBV is an abuse of human rights that occurs internationally, in both developing and developed countries, regardless of culture, socio-economic class or religion. GBV is caused by systemic gender inequalities and encompasses all acts of physical, emotional, sexual and psychological violence perpetuated against a person due to their gender
Xylazine: An Emerging New Psychoactive Substance among Drug Users in the Coast Region, Kenya
Full text linkThe world has witnessed an increase in the range of new psychoactive substances (NPS) available in the illicit drug market. Of concern is the emerging discovery of veterinary drugs as alternative psychoactive substances. Despite the emerging threat posed by NPS, especially those of veterinary nature, majority are not controlled substances. This study thus aimed at elucidating the occurrence of the emerging NPS in the Coast region, Kenya. A purposive sample of 33 IDUs (30 male and 13 female) were recruited into the study for identification of NPS and actual sample collection. A total of 21 samples of suspected NPS were collected and submitted for laboratory identification. Confirmatory results identified xylazine, ketamine,amitriptyline and diazepam as the NPS in the region. Analysis of adulterants in heroin samples confirmed the presence of caffeine; dextromethorphan; codeine; acetaminophen; metronidazole; chloroquine; and lidocaine. There was no evidence of xylazine as one of the adulterants. However, the emerging entry of veterinary drugs such as xylazine into the illicit drug market poses a major hindrance in reversing the gains realized in the field of harm reduction. The study therefore recommends consideration for scheduling xylazine and other veterinary drugs prone to human abuse. Further, there is an urgent need for the scientific community to provide an alternative antidote for the management of non-opioid drug-related overdose. Lastly, there is need for Kenya Veterinary Board to institute measures to regulate and control the diversion of xylazine and other veterinary drugs prone to human abuse.
Alcohol and Substance Use Harm Reduction Through Prevention and Advocacy: : A Child-To-Child Based Approach.
Full text linkAccording 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
Full text linkThere 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