Influence of Family Cohesion on Substance Use Disorders among the Youth in Selected Rehabilitation Centres in Nairobi County, Kenya

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).

Correlation between religiosity and family functioning among secondary school students in high-risk residing areas and factors associated with substance use

“…The present study also shows there is a significant positive correlation between a chaotic family and substance use implying that an adolescent who had a more chaotic family would increase substance use. Our findings are consistent with previous research highlighting the importance of a healthy family dynamic and the parent-adolescent relationship in reflecting whole-family functioning, which can be protective of adolescent substance use [43][44][45][46][47][48].…”

“…A family's primary functions include instilling beliefs, values, and acceptable behavior in society, particularly during childhood [13]. Many previous literatures reported poor family functioning as s significant factor that contributed to substance use [14][15][16]. Family functioning in this study refers to family cohesion and adaptability.…”