Status of Drugs and Substance Abuse among the General Population in Kenya

Abstract

This study was undertaken between November and December 2016 as a follow-up to two other studies conducted in 2007 and 2012 to assess the status of drugs and substance abuse in Kenya. The study covered respondents aged 15 – 65 years who were identified through stratified multi-stage random sampling. The 3,362 sampled households were distributed proportionately across the eight regions of Kenya. According to the findings, the prevalence of current usage of alcohol among respondents aged 15 – 65 years stands at 12.2%, tobacco 8.3%, khat 4.1% and bhang / marijuana 1.0%. Data on current use of multiple drugs and substances of abuse among respondents aged 15 - 65 years shows that the prevalence stands at 6.0%. Further, the study shows that the prevalence of alcohol use disorders among respondents aged 15 - 65 years stands at 10.4%, tobacco use disorders stand at 6.8%, khat use disorders stands at 3.1% and bhang / marijuana use disorders stands at 0.8%. Although findings point towards a downward trend on usage, the burden of substance use disorders presents a serious challenge for the country. The study therefore lays emphasis on evidence-based prevention programs as well as increasing access to affordable treatment and rehabilitation services in Kenya