The relationship between depressive disorders and substance use among women in addiction recovery in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Depressive disorders have far-reaching ramifications especially to affected women since they cannot manage their lives and families well. The intent of this paper was to investigate the relationship between depressive disorders and substance use among women in addiction recovery in Kiambu County. Descriptive research design was employed to evaluate the four selected recovery centres in Kiambu with a sample of 36 participants from a population of 120 individuals. Data was collected using questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive analysis was used for quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Correlation analysis was used to establish the relationship between depressive disorders symptoms and substance use. The findings identified domestic violence, feeling guilty and feeling worthless as symptoms of depressive disorder symptoms associated with substance use. A strong relationship was established between depressive disorders and substance use with more than 60% of respondents attesting to this. Correlation analysis established strong positive (r=0.603) association between domestic violence and substance use. The study recommended the recovery centers to engage competent and experienced psychiatrists and psychologists in mental health in order to deliver their services effectively and professionally. The study will benefit both the National and County governments in coming up with effective policies to deal with depressive disorders and substance use among women. This will go a long way in reducing the number of women under substance use in Kiambu County and the country at large.