A qualitative study on alcohol and drug abuse among undergraduate (University Students) in the coastal region of Kenya

BACKGROUND: Substance use poses a significant threat to the health, social and economic fabric of families, communities and nations. In Kenya, alcohol and drug abuse has been identified as a hindrance to education, development and by extension, to national development. Alcohol and drug abuse has been associated with crime and indiscipline e.g. poor class attendance, poor performance, school dropout and destructive strikes that lead to damage the institution property or even death. Alcohol and drug abusers are also likely to lower their morals and engage in risky sexual activities that can lead to sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection and AIDS. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study therefore was to explore on the perceptions and the magnitude of substance abuse among undergraduate (University students) in the two public Universities in the coastal region of Kenya. Also find amicable solutions to curb the menace that can destroy the future of a generation aged between 18­29 years at the peak of their life. METHODOLOGY: This was a qualitative study involving undergraduate (University students), dean of students and counsellors from Pwani University and Technical University of Mombasa. Focus Group Discussions(FGDs) and Key informant interviews were used to collect data. The number of KIIs was guided by data saturation. Thematic analysis was done by identifying, coding, and categorizing patterns or themes found in the data. RESULTS: The problem of alcohol and substance abuse among undergraduate students was a reality. The commonly abused substances were alcohol, miraa (khat), marijuana (cannabis) and cigarettes. Some of the factors predisposing students to abuse drugs were; easy accessibility to drugs, peer pressure, availability of funds, excess freedom, male gender, stress, not being active in religious activities, poor parenting and the African culture that uphold substances such as alcohol as an acceptable social drink. Participants noted that alcohol and drug abuse had led to various negative effects. The major ones affecting the students being poor performance, risky sexual behaviour, and mental disturbances. Participants suggested that Universities ought to intensify awareness campaigns to sensitize students against substance use. CONCLUSION: The commonly abused substances were alcohol, marijuana, miraa (Khat) and tobacco. Alcohol and drug abuse has left a negative impact among undergraduates (university students). The main consequences being; discontinuation of studies, mental disturbances and risky sexual activities. All stakeholders must take action creating awareness among students on the negative effects of substance abuse. Universities should set up programs with an aim to curb substance abuse in the institutions of higher learning. The government should reinforce the set laws and regulations and deal with trafficking of illicit substances into the country

Cancrum oris : a case report

Cancrum oris cases are occasionally treated in various hospitals in Kenya. Despite this; none of these cases have been have reported in literature. Besides; no epidemiological or treatment studies of cancrum oris have been carried out in Kenya. The authors report for the first time an unusual case of cancrum oris of a 2 year old Kenyan male which failed to respond to treatment after it was discovered at its early stages before involving the facial skeleton. Since most cancrum oris cases are a sequela of acute necrotizing gingivitis (ANG); prevention of cancrum oris can be achieved by early and prompt remedial measures once a diagnosis of ANG is established. Failure to do this might lead to cancrum oris with its attendant disfiguring complications; some of which might be impossible to treat in developing countries where the requisite personnel is lacking or inadequate