Influence of Family Cohesion on Substance Use Disorders among the Youth in Selected Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi County, Kenya
- September 2, 2021
- Posted by: rsispostadmin
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VIII, August 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186
Alice Wangui Gikandi, Joyzy Pius Egunjobi (PhD), Joel Kiambi Muriithi (PhD)
Department of Psychology, The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Abstract: This study investigated family dynamics and substance use disorders among the youth in selected rehabilitation centers in Nairobi County, Kenya. Using Yamane (1967) formula, a sample of 172 clients was obtained and selected randomly to take part in quantitative study. Another 12 clients who had stayed in rehabilitation centers for the longest time were purposively selected in order to provide qualitative data. Similarly, 10 parents were conveniently selected in order to provide qualitative data. Therefore the total sample size comprised of 196 respondents. Quantitative data was collected using FACES-IV, AUDIT, and DAST-10 questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using interview guides. Cronbach Alpha technique was run to test the reliability of FACES-IV, AUDIT, and DAST-10. FACES-IV scale was found to have a reliability coefficient of .723, AUDIT had reliability of .861while DAST-10 scale had a reliability coefficient of .812. Quantitative Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics while qualitative data was analysed thematically backed by narratives from respondents. The study had the following findings, most respondents came from families with unhealthy cohesion (disengaged family cohesion (Mean= 25.4545; SD= 9.3575), there was a strong negative and significant correlation between disengaged family cohesion and drug use disorder (r=-0.527; P= 0.000).
I. BACKGROUND
Globally, family dynamics have been linked to substance use disorders among the youth. For instance, a study done in Pakistan by Sobia Masood and Najam Us Sahar (2014) found that Poor communication within the family unit leads to children in the family indulging in drug abuse. The study also found that parents talk to their children about dangers of indulging in substance use but they were not firm in implementing the decisions involving the same. Similarly, a study examining youth’s substance use disorder in United Kingdom by Roblyer (2016) suggested that youth reared in families characterized by a lack of familial obligations, emotional closeness, and support, were more likely to affiliate with substance use disorder and having peer relationships associated with more substance abuse. In addition, MacArthur, Hickman and Campbell (2016) study on the role of the family in structuring young people’s alcohol use in England found that Parental attitudes and behaviours and the nature of communication are critical in leading young people’s alcohol use. Initiation of alcohol use was frequently mediated by parents early in adolescence, with the home recounted as a primary site of early drinking experiences
However, it is important to note that although some family dynamics can lead youth to developing substance use disorders, the family can also provide resilience or protection
