African Journal of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (AJADA)
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Factors Influencing the Use of Discretion in The Control of Illicit Brew Trade in Kenya, A Case of Kakamega and Uasin Gishu Counties
Full text linkDiscretionary powers among street-level bureaucrats have the capacity of changing public policy on the spot, from its intended goals to new policies. Research on the use of discretion in the implementation of alcohol control policy on illicit brews is scanty. The paper, therefore, sought to examine the factors that influenced the Chiefs and their assistants in Kakamega and Uasin Gishu counties to utilize discretionary powers. The research utilized a cross-sectional research design, using a sample size of 124 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using tables. The research established that inadequate personnel, insecurity, inadequate stakeholder co-ordination, expansive jurisdictions, the status of the traders and inadequate means of transportation were the driving factors behind the use of discretion among the administrators, negatively impacting the control of illicit brew trade in the counties
Separate and combined effects of chronic administration of codeine and tramadol on food intake and body weight in male albino rats
Full text linkTramadol and Codeine are both opiates used as analgesics which act on the nervous and metabolic systems. However, their role in dietary disorder and body weight has not been established in the current trend among abusers. This study, therefore, examined the effects of chronic exposure to Codeine and Tramadol on food intake and body weight. Specifically, the study examined feeding behaviour and body weight of male albino rats. Male Albino rats numbering Twenty-Four, weighing between 150-200g and 7-9 weeks’ old were used. They were collected from the University of Ibadan Veterinary animal farm. The rats were divided into 3 experimental groups of Codeine, Tramadol, combined Codeine and Tramadol and Control groups with 6 rats in each group and exposed to 8mg/kg of codeine, 20mg/ kg of tramadol, combined 8mg/kg of codeine and 20mg/kg of tramadol, and normal saline for 28 days. Records of the amount of food ingested and the bodyweight of the rats were taken daily for the duration of the experiment. Randomized ANOVA at p≤0.05 showed a significant effect of Tramadol and Codeine on food intake (F 3,667 = 3.50, p < 0.05, η2=.02. Male rats in the Tramadol and Codeine group (x =94.29), tramadol only (x =93.22) and Codeine only (x =99.00) groups significantly consumed less amount of food compared to the control group (x =100.36). Body weight was significantly influenced (F 3,667 = 3.55, p < 0.01, η2= .02). Mean body weight was significantly lower for rats in codeine & tramadol (x = 133.21), tramadol only (x = 132.31) and codeine only (x = 133.79) groups compared to the control group (x =137.51). It was concluded that chronic exposure to Tramadol and Codeine is associated with weight loss and reduced food intake, suggesting the risk of dietary health challenges and weight loss problems for abusers
Emerging Trends on Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs in Kenya
Full text linkThe 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
Exploring the Role of Spousal Communication as a Predictor of Relapse among Individuals in Recovery from Substance Use Disorders: : Implications for Treatment Programs
Full text linkRelapse among persons treated for substance use disorders (SUD) has increasingly become a problem across the world. Literature documents the role of spousal communication in relapse of individuals recovering from SUD. This study examined the association between spousal communication and relapse occurrence among patients in recovery from SUDS and the implications for treatment. The Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation Model (VSAM) and the General Systems Theory were adopted as the theoretical frameworks informing the study. Screening for various drug use was done using the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST). A self-rated questionnaire was adapted from the Advance WArning of RElapse (AWARE) questionnaire was used in this correlational study to collect data that was purposefully selected from persons admitted in rehabilitation centers in Nairobi County. Results indicated that 37.41% of the participants who had spousal relationships had relapsed. Results also revealed poor communication between spouses was perceived as a cause of increased substance use. The study showed a positive statistical significance between spousal communication and relapse occurrence among inpatients with SUD (r=.016, p=.002<0.05). The study concluded that poor spousal communication was a predictive factor in relapse of individuals with SUDs. The study is significant to addiction professionals and practicing counselors who should enhance effective communication as a component of family therapy and as part of the treatment interventions
Policy Brief on the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Amendment Bill
Full text linkPolicy Brief on the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances(Control) Amendment Bil
Relationship Between Substance Use and Victimization to Intimate Partner Violence Among Men in Nyeri County, Kenya.
Full text linkSubstance use and intimate partner violence (IPV) are significant public health concerns. There is research evidence on co-existence of the two. Most efforts addressing this co-existence have focused on substance use among male perpetrators of IPV. Not much focus has been given to the correlation between substance use and female perpetrated IPV. This paper seeks to explain the relationship between substance use and victimization to IPV among men in Nyeri County, Kenya. Based on social cognitive and attachment theories, the study utilized an Ex post facto correlational design. The sample consisted of 412 male participants who were selected through multi-stage sampling. A 4-questions, validated substance use screening tool, CAGE was used to screen for substance use while IPV scale measured prevalence and forms of IPV. Correlations between substance use and victimization to IPV was established using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and regression analysis. 87.9% of the participants reported experiencing some form of IPV in their intimate relationships. Psychological IPV was most prevalent compared to physical and sexual IPV. 42% reported substance use while 32% indicated having clinical drug use problem. There was a moderate positive correlation (r=.288) between the substance use and IPV. Regression analysis indicated IPV (Est 0, 01, p-value<0.01) to be associated with substance use. Both IPV and substance use are prevalent among men in Nyeri county. Majority of substance users have a clinical drug problem. There was association between substance use and sexual IPV. The study recommends that interventions to address substance use and IPV amongst men should be put in place. Such interventions include counseling, awareness creation about the negative consequences of substance use and IPV as well as economic empowerment among men. 
Determinants of Alcohol Use by Students in Medical Training Colleges in South Nyanza Region, Kenya
Full text linkAlcohol consumption is a global public health problem accounting for about 6% of mortality and 5% of disability adjusted life year’s (DALYs) lost worldwide. An estimated 10-15 % of students in medical training institutions risk alcohol abuse in their lifetime. In Kenya, alcohol abuse is common among college youth though data on alcohol abuse by students in MTCs are still unclear. South Nyanza, the study area is within Nyanza Region in Kenya with high alcohol consumption with prevalence rate of 26.8% among general college students. The study sought to establish what determined alcohol use by students in MTCs in South Nyanza Region. Cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Five colleges in the region namely: Kendu Mission School and KMTCs (Kisii, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay) were included in the study. A sample of 303 MTC students was recruited for the study. The study established that 113 (37.3%) of the respondents indulged in alcohol use because it was readily available within their colleges. Proximity of alcohol selling premises to their colleges was also a reason for alcohol use as reported by 135 (44.6%) of the respondents. Majority of the respondents 100 (33.0%) were introduced to alcohol use by friends. Curiosity was the main reason that made 73(24.1%) of the respondents to use alcohol for the first time. Mentorship from their tutors and peer education can help reduce alcohol use among the college students
Effects of Parental Abandonment and Strife on Youth Drug Use
Full text linkParenting behaviour is a major contributor to youth behaviour, and has been shown to precipitate maladaptive behaviours among the youth. Parents have been shown to play a major role in the way children turn out to be later in life. When parents behave negatively, children are likely to behave the same ending up with problematic behaviours. Studies have shown that negative parental practices have produced young people involved in sexual promiscuity, poor academic performance and substance abuse. However, little has been studied on the effects of parental abandonment and strife between parents on youth negative behaviours in Kenya. This study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of parental abandonment and strife on drug use among youth at a Kenyan University. Using the descriptive research design (cross-sectional) the sample size of 407 respondents was selected at 80% power and 10% effect size using stratified random sampling techniques. The Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and researcher-generated socio-demographic questionnaire were used to collect data from the respondents. Inferential statistics using ANOVA analysed the data on the Statistical Package for Social and Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The results indicated that respondents who felt rejected at home (p=0.0001), those with parents who did not spend much time with them (p=0.048) and those who felt displeased with their parents’ behaviour (p=0.0001) were statistically associated with substance use. It is concluded that parental behaviour may have a negative influence on youth drug use. The study recommends that parents be made aware of the effect of their actions in abandoning children and in poor conflict management so as to forestall problematic behaviours in their children’s later life
Policy Brief on National Survey on Alcohol and Drug Abuse among Secondary School Students in Kenya
Full text linkThis survey on alcohol and substance abuse in Kenyan secondary schools contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the impact of alcohol and drug abuse in the country as a whole and the education sector. The school environment is a critical point of interaction between the students and society. The survey showed that the age of onset to alcohol and drug use marks the period of transition from primary school to secondary schools. The age between 13 to 15 years presents the most critical period for the students in secondary schools to initiate alcohol and drug use. The students are likely to initiate prescription drugs and inhalants at the age of 13 years; 14 years are likely to be initiated to alcohol, khat/ miraa, tobacco and heroin; and 14.5 years to 15 years initiation of cocaine and bhang respectively. The National Campaign Against Drug Abuse Authority (NACADA Authority) is mandated to undertake quality research on alcohol and drugs use to guide policy and programming in the countr
Policy Brief on Status of Drugs and Substance Abuse among Primary School Pupils in Kenya
Full text linkStudies in Kenya indicate that drugs and substance abuse among young people in learning institutions is a growing social and public health problem. Most of these studies have, however, focused on young persons who are in high school or in higher levels of education (or older than 14 years). This presents a challenge as drug and substance abuse may begin at an earlier age. This scenario has resulted in limited evidence on drugs and substance abuse among primary school pupils. This survey therefore endeavors to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and use of drugs and substances of abuse among primary school pupils in Keny