Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Drug and Substance Abuse Among Married Couples in Kawangware, Congo, Nairobi County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol6iss4pp32-46-837Keywords:
Socio-cultural factors, drug and substance abuse, neighborhood, poverty, cultural norms, and religious beliefs.Abstract
Drug and substance abuse is not exclusive to married couples and is influenced by various factors. This study sought to establish the socio-cultural factors influencing drug and substance abuse among married couples in Kawangware, Congo, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study's theoretical framework was the Biopsychosocial Model of Substance Abuse, an integrative Theory. The study employed a qualitative method of phenomenological research design. A total of 15 participants, including women and men, aged 18-60 years, were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through unstructured, in-depth interviews. The study employed manual coding up to the second cycle to avoid subjectivity and bias; it also used NVivo software. Thematic analysis was thereafter used to analyze audio-taped data. The study established that socio-cultural factors influence drug and substance abuse, for example, peer and social pressure, environment, desire to fit in, religious beliefs and attitudes, and cultural norms and practices. The study recommended that similar research be conducted, albeit with an objective of exploring biopsychosocial treatment of drug and substance abuse among married couples. It also recommended that a larger sample be collected to enable the findings to be objectively generalized to the whole population. It was also recommended that the Nairobi County Government employ counsellors and psychologists in all Sub-County wards to offer free counselling services to married couples with problems of drug use.
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