COVID-19 pandemic-related impacts and addiction severity among service users in selected substance use treatment facilities in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The onset of COVID-19 brought about disruption in almost every sector globally. Among the affected places in Kenya were substance use treatment facilities where service users were discharged to avoid infection. This was accompanied by closure of bars and introduction of curfews among other measures. Data on the possible impact of these disruptions on Alcohol Use Disorders is still scant. This study aimed at examining the relationship between COVID-19 pandemic experiences and severity of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) symptoms. Methods Data were collected from 176 residential service users in selected substance use treatment facilities in Nairobi using Epidemic – Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII) and the Modified Addiction Severity Index. Results The study revealed a weak positive and significant correlation between COVID-19 impacts and addiction severity. Conclusion The findings imply the need for substance use treatment facilities to include life disruptions such as COVID pandemic in their assessment and intake history. The study recommends that treatment facilities need to enhance family programmes with patients’ families in order to address the higher addiction severity reported on this domain. This will enhance their treatment programs to address the COVID-19 challenges and future pandemics on addiction.