Substance Use and Abuse among Offenders under Probation Supervision in Limuru Probation Station, Kenya

Abstract

This research examined the prevalence of substance use and abuse among offenders under probation supervision in Limuru Probation Station, Kenya. The research employed descriptive research design to study a population of 66 male and 18 female offenders selected through stratified random sampling. Primary data was obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire and two standard tests of substance abuse, namely AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and the DAST-10 (Drug Abuse Screening Test). The study found that 58.2 % of the offenders consumed alcohol while 32.9% used drugs. Prevalence of both alcohol and drug use was lowest among female population, and stood at 15% and 3.8% respectively. Alcohol consumption was more prevalent among male respondents above 26 years and the 19-35 years age group among female respondents. The AUDIT established that 71.7% of the alcohol users had some problems with alcohol, 34.8% experienced harmful or hazardous drinking while 36.9% had developed some dependence on alcohol. The DAST-10 established that 26.9% of the drug users had a low level drug use problem, 46.2% had a moderate level problem, 23.1% had a substantial level problem and 3.8% had a severe level drug use problem. The drug problem was critical among the males aged 14-25 years but was negligible among female respondents. Some 39.2% of the substance users said that they were admitted to the correction facility due to drug or alcohol abuse. The study recommends the use of appropriate medical programs – like the treatment and control of communicable diseases to mitigate the effects of substance abuse.