The Nature and Extent of Alcoholism in Communities in Vihiga County, Kenya

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue IV, April 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

The Nature and Extent of Alcoholism in Communities in Vihiga County, Kenya

Valentine Cherono¹, Professor Jacob W. Wakhungu², Dr Simiyu Ruth, Ph.D.^3
1(MSc. Disaster Management and Sustainable Development), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
²Department of Agricultural Land use Management, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
³Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Abstract: Drug abuse is one of the top problems confronting nations and communities today. The study problem was the lack of a comprehensive approach that yields significant impact in addressing specific socio-economic challenges of alcoholism on the welfare of communities. The study objective was to determine the nature and extent of alcoholism in communities in Vihiga County. Social learning theory by Albert Bandura guided the study. Cross-sectional survey research design was employed. The sample size was 400.Primary data collection utilized questionnaires, interview guides, observation checklists and Focus Group Discussion guides. Secondary data collection utilized alcohol related resources. Cluster, proportional stratified and snow-ball sampling were used for household members. Census and purposive sampling were used on key informants. Quota sampling was conducted for business community. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics specifically frequencies, percentages and mean. Qualitative data analysis and interpretation utilized data coding and narrative analysis. Results indicate that 50% believe that social factors lead to alcoholism while 20 % alluded unemployment as the main reason making Vihiga County a potential market for alcohol. The study concluded that, it will be easier to achieve positive results if government policies and laws are effectively implemented. The study recommends that; There is need to enhance discipline for the law enforcers to ensure they effect the Alcoholic Drinks and Control Act 2010 effectively without being corrupted or favoring/fearing anybody in the community. Justification of this study was that, alcoholism menace has social effects in the community which includes family breakages, domestic violence among others. Thus, alcoholism effects play a critical role in negatively affecting the communities’ economic welfare.

I. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The consumption of alcohol is not a new concept; it’s a problem all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are about 2 billion (33%) people worldwide who consume alcoholic beverages and 76.3 million with diagnosable alcohol use disorders (WHO, 2016). Making alcohol the most widely used and abused substance world over (Basangwa et al., 2006). The widespread use of alcohol is fueled by ease of its production process (a plain process of fermentation achieved by yeast acting on sugar) and multiple daily usages for recreation, curative and religious purposes (Basangwa et al., 2006).

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