EFFECTIVENESS OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING IN THE TREATMENT OF CANNABIS USE DISORDER AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: To assess the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing (MI) in the treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) among adolescents attending selected public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya.
Problem Statement: Cannabis use among adolescents is a growing public health concern worldwide, with significant implications for mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. In Kenya, cannabis use among secondary school students has risen notably in urban areas, contributing to the prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of cannabis use, including impaired cognitive functioning, anxiety, and depression. Given the limited effectiveness of existing interventions, there is a pressing need for more targeted and effective therapeutic approaches to address this issue.
Methodology: This study employed a quasi-experimental design to compare the effectiveness of MI in reducing cannabis use severity and improving mental health outcomes in adolescents. A total of 80 adolescents aged 15-18 years from two public secondary schools in Nairobi County were randomly selected. The experimental group received six weeks of Motivational Interviewing (MI), while the control group did not receive any intervention. Assessments were conducted at baseline, midline, and endline using the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R). Statistical analyses, including paired-sample t-tests and MANOVA, were used to assess the effectiveness of MI on cannabis use and mental health outcomes.
Result: The study found that the experimental group showed a significant reduction in CUD severity, with a mean reduction in CUDIT-R scores from 15.09 to 9.23 (SD = 3.82), accompanied by a significant decrease in anxiety and depression levels. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in cannabis use or mental health symptoms. These results were statistically significant, with large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 1.68 for CUDIT-R).
Conclusion: Motivational Interviewing is an effective intervention for reducing Cannabis Use Disorder and improving mental health outcomes in adolescents.
Recommendation: MI-based programs be integrated into school counseling services to address adolescent cannabis use. Furthermore, policy development should focus on early intervention strategies, particularly in urban areas where cannabis use is prevalent. School-based MI interventions can play a critical role in promoting healthier behaviors and supporting adolescents in overcoming cannabis-related issues.
Keywords: Cannabis Use Disorder, Adolescents, Motivational Interviewing, Intervention, Mental Health, School-Based Therapy.
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