Factors Associated with Alcohol Use among Persons Aged 18-35 Years in Kangundo North Ward, Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the factors associated with alcohol use among persons aged 18-35years.It was conducted among residents of Kangundo North Ward, Machakos County where alcohol use is reported to be a serious concern. In addition, the study sought to establish the sociodemographic factors, community level and psychosocial factors that influence alcohol use. It adopted a mixed-method cross sectional study design where Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire while qualitative data was collected using key informant interview and a Focus Group discussion guide. Sampling was done for 310 respondents. Data entry was done and analysed using SPSS version 23, descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and proportion were used as first line exploratory analytic methods. Logistic regressions were used to explore the factors associated with alcohol use. Odds ratios were used to determine associations between psychosocial factors and use of alcohol. Further, multivariate and bivariate analysis were done to establish association between dependent and independent variables. Specifically, the study describes how sociodemographic, Community level and psychosocial factors influence alcohol use. This will help explore future research options. Four Key informants were interviewed and two FGDs were conducted. Alcohol use was more prevalent among males aged 18-24 years. Alcohol use was associated with age, gender, socioeconomic status, education, advertisement, gender-based violence, harsh childhood experiences and use of other psychoactive substances(P<0.05). Male gender was significantly associated with alcohol use compared to females (AOR 2.1,95% CI:1.02-4.6).Having secondary education was significantly associated with alcohol use compared to a person who had no education (AOR:3.44, 95% CI:1.3-9.05).Having tertiary education was significantly associated with alcohol use compared to respondents who had no formal education (AOR 6.22,95% CI 1.51-25.7).The study participants who earned between Ksh 10000 and Ksh 15000 were 4.8 times more likely to consume alcohol compared to those who earned below Ksh 5000(AOR 4.8,95% CI 1.4-6). Alcohol advertisement was significantly associated with alcohol use(P<0.05). Respondents who saw Alcohol adverts through audio were 9 times more likely to use alcohol than respondents who knew it through the newspaper. Use of other psychoactive substances like Marijuana was significantly associated with alcohol use. The individuals who abused tobacco were 93 times more likely to use alcohol compared to marijuana users. This study recommends more Alcohol use sensitization programs for persons aged 18-35 years to create more Public Health awareness on alcohol targeting especially the male gender. The administration department may need to strengthen regulation of alcohol outlets and advertisements. In addition, Support for Gender based violence (awareness, screening and referral) needs to be enhanced. Moreover, substance abuse preventive programs should take into account use of other psychoactive substances such as cigarette and marijuana use. Mental Health programs should liaise with stakeholders to address psychosocial factors that lead to alcohol use.