The Influence of Drugs and Substance Use On Gender Based Violence Among Intimate Partners in Central and Coast Regions, Kenya

Abstract

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a worldwide public health problem posing challenges in human health, with a higher prevalence in developing countries. Despite the growing problem of GBV globally, regionally and within the country, evidence on attribution of drugs and substance use (DSU) is limited. The study therefore endeavored to assess the influence of DSU on GBV among intimate partners (IPs) in Kenya. The study utilized a cross-sectional design where a total of 1374 respondents were interviewed targeting Central and Coast regions. Findings on GBV experience in last the last one year showed that psychological violence was the most commonly perpetrated form of GBV among IPs with a prevalence of 33.3% followed by economic violence 16.6%, physical violence 15.1% and lastly sexual violence 7.1%. Analysis of risk factors showed that region, gender, education and monthly income were significantly associated with physical violence; age and education were associated with psychological violence; religion was significantly associated with sexual violence; and gender, employment and education were significantly associated with economic violence among IPs. Results also showed that past month use of alcohol, tobacco, khat and cannabis were associated with physical violence; alcohol, tobacco and khat use were associated with psychological violence; alcohol, tobacco and khat use were associated with sexual violence; and alcohol and tobacco use were associated with economic violence. The study demonstrates the role of DSU towards aggravating the problem of all forms of GBV among IPs. The study therefore underscores the importance of DSU demand reduction and supply suppression interventions and programs as integral measures for the control of GBV