PREVALENCE OF CANNABIS USE DISORDER AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING SELECTED PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) among adolescents attending selected public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya, and to assess the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing (MI) as an intervention for reducing CUD among these adolescents.

Problem Statement: Cannabis use among adolescents is a growing global concern, with significant implications for their health, academic performance, and social well-being. The World Drug Report (2021) highlighted that cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance among adolescents worldwide, and early initiation is often linked to higher rates of addiction. In Kenya, cannabis use among secondary school students is also on the rise, with urban environments like Nairobi showing higher prevalence rates. The increasing prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) poses a significant challenge, as it contributes to psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and impaired cognitive functions. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of cannabis use, and without effective interventions, these issues are likely to worsen, impacting their development and future prospects.

Methodology: This study adopted a quasi-experimental design with a sample of adolescents aged 15-18 years from two selected public secondary schools in Nairobi County. The control group consisted of students from Dandora Mixed Day Sub-County Secondary School, while the experimental group was drawn from Kayole South Mixed Day Sub-County Secondary School. A total sample of 80 participants was selected using random sampling. The study involved baseline, midline, and endline assessments using the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R). The experimental group underwent a six-week intervention using Motivational Interviewing (MI). Statistical analysis was carried out using paired-sample t-tests, MANOVA, and logistic regression to assess the effectiveness of MI and the changes in cannabis use severity and mental health outcomes across both groups.

Result: A significant proportion of adolescents in the sample exhibited symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder, with both the experimental and control groups showing baseline mean scores above the CUDIT-R cutoff of 8. After the intervention, the experimental group showed a notable reduction in CUD severity, with improvements in cannabis use scores and a decrease in anxiety and depression levels, as measured by the BAI and BDI. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in cannabis use or mental health symptoms. These results suggest that Motivational Interviewing (MI) was effective in reducing cannabis use severity and improving mental health outcomes in adolescents with CUD.

Conclusion: Cannabis Use Disorder is highly prevalent among adolescents in Nairobi County, and that Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an effective intervention for addressing cannabis use and improving mental health outcomes in this population.

Recommendation: Schools implement MI-based programs for students with cannabis use problems, and that the Ministry of Education collaborate with mental health professionals to integrate such interventions into school counseling services. Furthermore, policy development should focus on early intervention strategies for adolescents, especially in urban areas, where cannabis use is more prevalent.

Keywords: Prevalence, Cannabis Use Disorder, Adolescents, Motivational Interviewing, Intervention, Mental Health